Record‑Setting Install Base
Tim Cook told CNBC that Apple now supports 2.5 billion active iPhones, Macs and other devices – a rise from 2.35 billion announced in January 2025. The figure is a key barometer for the addressable market of Apple’s services and third‑party software.
Year‑Over‑Year Growth
From 2024 to 2025 Apple added roughly 150 million new devices, and the same increase is reported for the 2025‑2026 period. This steady climb follows a pattern: 2.2 billion in 2023, 2.35 billion in 2024, now 2.5 billion.
Why the iPhone Remains Central
Cook emphasized that “demand for iPhone [this quarter] was just simply staggering.” The iPhone continues to act as the gateway to Apple’s broader ecosystem.
- iPhone users are more likely to adopt Apple Watch, AirPods, iPad, and Mac.
- Each additional device expands the pool for services such as iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple TV+.
- Cross‑device continuity drives higher average revenue per user (ARPU).
Strategic Ecosystem Expansion
The company’s strategy hinges on converting iPhone owners into multi‑device households. The more seamless the integration, the stronger the lock‑in effect, and the larger the services revenue base.
Ambitious Product Slate for 2026
Apple plans to launch over 20 new products in the coming year, ranging from refreshed iPhone models to next‑generation AR/VR headsets. Each launch is expected to push the active install base beyond the current 2.5 billion mark.
- New iPhone models with advanced camera and AI capabilities.
- Updated MacBook line‑up featuring Apple‑silicon upgrades.
- Next‑gen iPad Pro with M‑series chips, catering to power users like journalist Ryan, who cites the iPad Pro as his favorite device.
- Expanded wearables portfolio, including health‑focused Apple Watch variants.
Analyst Perspective
Industry observers note that the install‑base growth not only validates Apple’s hardware demand but also signals a robust runway for services revenue, which now accounts for a sizable share of total earnings.