About Apple

Apple Inc. is a global technology leader known for its innovation in consumer electronics, software, and online services. Founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, it has become one of the most valuable companies in the world.

The brand is synonymous with premium quality, user privacy, and a seamless ecosystem connecting devices like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch with services like Apple Music, Apple TV+, and iCloud.

Apple Affiliate Program Overview

The primary public affiliate program is the Apple Services Performance Partner Program, which focuses on digital content and subscriptions. There is also a hardware-focused program (Apple Store Affiliate Program), though it is often region-specific or managed via varied networks with lower visibility.

Feature Details
Industry Technology, Digital Entertainment, Consumer Electronics
Product Type
  • Primary: Digital Services (Apple Music, Apple TV+, Books, Movies, Podcasts)
  • Secondary: Hardware (iPhone, Mac, Accessories) – Availability varies by region
Affiliate Program Type Partner Program / CPA (Cost Per Action) & CPS (Cost Per Sale)

Apple Affiliate Program Offers

Apple maintains strict brand standards. Affiliates are provided with high-quality tools to promote content, but they must adhere to rigorous content policies.

Feature Details
Promotional Materials Banner ads, text links, Link Maker tools, Widget builders, MusicKit API, RSS feeds.
Affiliate Cookie Duration
  • 30 Days for Services (Music, Books, TV+)
  • 24 Hours for Hardware (if applicable in your region)
Accepted Traffic Source Websites, Blogs, Apps. (Email marketing and paid search bidding on brand terms are generally restricted).
Accepted Countries Global (The program covers many countries, but availability of specific services like News+ or TV+ varies by region).
Explicit Content Strictly Prohibited. Sites displaying sexual, violent, or illegal content are rejected.
Religious or Political Content Prohibited/Restricted. Content promoting specific religious groups or political parties is generally not accepted.

Apple Affiliate Commissions & Payments

The commission structure is unique: it pays “bounties” (one-time payments) for subscription sign-ups and percentage commissions for digital content sales (books/movies).

Feature Details
MLM No (Single-tier affiliate program).
Commission Rate 7% (Music, Books, Movies, TV+), 100% of first month (Apple Music membership), 400% (Apple News+).

Note: Hardware (iPhones/Macs) affiliate program is extremely limited or defunct for general public
Commission Structure
  • CPA (Cost Per Action): One-time payout for acquiring a new subscriber.
  • CPS (Cost Per Sale): Percentage of the sale price for digital downloads (Books/Movies).
Payout Frequency Net 60 to Net 90 days (Payments are issued approx. 60-90 days after the end of the month in which the sale occurred).
Payout Methods Direct Deposit / Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
Minimum Payout $30 USD (or local currency equivalent).

Suitable Affiliates for Apple Affiliate

This program is best suited for content creators who review media or technology.

  • Bloggers: Tech reviewers, music critics, and book reviewers can link directly to albums, apps, or books within their articles.
  • TikTokers / Influencers: Creators discussing new music drops, must-watch TV shows (Ted Lasso, Severance), or book recommendations.
  • YouTubers: Tech channels reviewing iPads/Macs (hardware links) or Movie commentary channels reviewing Apple Original Films.
  • KOL / KOC: Key Opinion Leaders in the lifestyle and tech space who can influence subscription decisions for fitness (Apple Fitness+) or news.
  • Video Editors: Can use the program to link to Mac software or tools if available, though less common.
  • Livestreamers: Gamers or commentators discussing pop culture can drive traffic to Apple Music or Apple Arcade.

Apple Affiliate Software

Apple uses Partnerize (formerly Performance Horizon Group) to manage its global partner program. It is a third-party SaaS platform that handles tracking, reporting, and payments.

3 Alternatives for Apple Affiliate Program

Here is a comparison with three major competitors: Amazon Associates (Direct competitor for both hardware & services), Samsung (Hardware competitor), and Microsoft (Software/Hardware competitor).

Factor Apple Affiliate Amazon Associates Samsung Affiliate Microsoft Affiliate
Average Bill High (Premium pricing) Low to High (Varies greatly) High (Electronics) Medium/High (Software/Surface)
Entry Fees Free Free Free Free
Withdrawal Threshold $30 $10 (Direct Deposit/Gift Card) ~$50 (varies by network) ~$50 (varies by network)
Payment Frequency Net 60-90 Net 60 Net 30-60 Net 30-60
Commission
  • Services: High Bounty
  • Hardware: ~2.5%
 1% – 10% (Flat rates by category) 2% – 5% 1% – 10% (varies by product)
Conversion High (Strong brand loyalty) Very High (Universal trust) High (Popular Android choice) High (Enterprise/Office users)
Marketing Materials High-quality Link Maker, Widgets, API SiteStripe, Banners, API Banners, Product feeds Text links, Banners