Top 10 Most Profitable iOS Apps in 2025
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
1. YouTube
Revenue: $2.33 billion
Monetization: Subscriptions (YouTube Premium), ads, rentals, and purchases
Note: Continues to top revenue charts with diversified income streams.
2. TikTok
Revenue: $2.33 billion
Monetization: Ads, virtual gifts, in-app currency
Note: Strong revenue growth driven by user engagement and live gifting.
3. Tinder
Revenue: $1.2 billion
Monetization: Subscriptions (Plus, Gold, Platinum), Boosts, Super Likes
Note: A dating app powerhouse with consistent revenue via premium features.
4. Honor of Kings
Revenue: $1.87 billion
Monetization: In-game purchases (skins, heroes)
Note: Top-grossing mobile game from Tencent, especially strong in Asia.
5. Monopoly GO!
Revenue: $1.58 billion
Monetization: In-app events, packs, ad offers
Note: A breakout hit in 2024 thanks to aggressive marketing and gamification.
6. Royal Match
Revenue: $1.46 billion
Monetization: Boosters, extra lives
Note: A classic puzzle model driving high repeat spend and retention.
7. Roblox
Revenue: $1.19 billion
Monetization: Robux purchases, premium memberships
Note: User-generated content keeps Roblox profitable and popular.
8. PUBG Mobile
Revenue: $1.18 billion
Monetization: Skins, Battle Passes
Note: Despite strong competition, PUBG Mobile maintains a loyal base.
9. Last War
Revenue: $1.15 billion
Monetization: In-game upgrades, events
Note: A rapidly growing strategy game capitalizing on live service features.
10. Whiteout Survival
Revenue: $1 billion
Monetization: Subscriptions and item purchases
Note: Gained momentum in 2024 with survival mechanics and strong community engagement.
💡 How Developers Can Enable In-App Purchases on iOS
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:
Set up your App Store Connect account
Register as an Apple Developer and prepare your app for distribution.
Create IAP products in App Store Connect
Define consumables, non-consumables, subscriptions, etc.
Use StoreKit for integration
Implement Apple’s StoreKit framework to handle payments and transactions.
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.
🧪 How to Test iOS In-App Purchases
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.
✅ Conclusion
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.