The iOS app economy continues to thrive in 2025, with Apple’s App Store generating nearly $1.3 trillion in sales and billings last year. From entertainment to gaming, a select group of apps dominates revenue charts. Below is a data-backed look at the 10 highest-grossing iOS apps, along with insights into how developers can monetize through in-app purchases (IAPs).

🏆 Top 10 Highest-Grossing iOS Apps

• Revenue: $2.33 billion

• Monetization: Subscriptions (YouTube Premium), ads, rentals, and purchases

• Note: Continues to top revenue charts with diversified income streams.

• Revenue: $2.33 billion

• Monetization: Ads, virtual gifts, in-app currency

• Note: Strong revenue growth driven by user engagement and live gifting.

• Revenue: $1.2 billion

• Monetization: Subscriptions (Plus, Gold, Platinum), Boosts, Super Likes

• Note: A dating app powerhouse with consistent revenue via premium features.

• Revenue: $1.87 billion

• Monetization: In-game purchases (skins, heroes)

• Note: Top-grossing mobile game from Tencent, especially strong in Asia.

• Revenue: $1.58 billion

• Monetization: In-app events, packs, ad offers

• Note: A breakout hit in 2024 thanks to aggressive marketing and gamification.

• Revenue: $1.46 billion

• Monetization: Boosters, extra lives

• Note: A classic puzzle model driving high repeat spend and retention.

• Revenue: $1.19 billion

• Monetization: Robux purchases, premium memberships

• Note: User-generated content keeps Roblox profitable and popular.

• Revenue: $1.18 billion

• Monetization: Skins, Battle Passes

• Note: Despite strong competition, PUBG Mobile maintains a loyal base.

• Revenue: $1.15 billion

• Monetization: In-game upgrades, events

• Note: A rapidly growing strategy game capitalizing on live service features.

• Revenue: $1 billion

• Monetization: Subscriptions and item purchases

• Note: Gained momentum in 2024 with survival mechanics and strong community engagement.

In-app purchases (IAPs) remain one of the most effective monetization methods for iOS apps. Here’s a quick guide to enabling IAPs:

Steps to Enable IAPs:

1. Set up your App Store Connect account
   

   Register as an Apple Developer and prepare your app for distribution.

2. Create IAP products in App Store Connect

   Define consumables, non-consumables, subscriptions, etc.

3. Use StoreKit for integration
   

   Implement Apple’s StoreKit framework to handle payments and transactions.

4. Implement receipt validation
   

   Secure the payment process and confirm purchases through validation.

For a complete walkthrough, check out this detailed guide on how to enable in-app purchases for iOS apps.

Testing is critical to ensure a smooth purchase experience before release. Apple offers a sandbox environment for this.

Testing Tips:

Use App Store Connect test accounts

• Create sandbox testers for simulation of real transactions.

Test all purchase types and edge cases

• Successful purchases, failures, refunds, and expired subscriptions.

Monitor using Xcode and console logs

• Debugging during test purchases is essential for catching issues early.

The most profitable iOS apps in 2024 succeeded not just because of popularity—but due to smart monetization strategies, particularly through in-app purchases. For developers aiming to tap into this potential, integrating and testing IAPs correctly is crucial. Whether you're building the next big game or a premium subscription service, now is the time to implement a revenue model that works.

Let your app earn while delivering value.