Does Apple Have an Affiliate Program?

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Updated: August 2026Oleksandr Honcharov, CEO at FlawlessMLM Apple's affiliate program history has changed significantly over the past decade. Answering does Apple have an affiliate program in 2026 requires separating current programs from ones Apple has closed.In short: Apple closed its main iTunes/App Store affiliate program in October 2018, ending commissions for most content categories. The Apple Services Performance Partners Program still runs for Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, and Apple Fitness+ subscriptions, but it's tightly restricted and pays modestly compared to alternatives.The old Apple Affiliate Program paid 7% commissions on App Store purchases, in-app purchases, iTunes music, movies, and books. Apple closed this program in October 2018, citing the App Store's new App Store search ads system as a replacement.What remains is the Apple Services Performance Partners Program. This covers new subscriber signups to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, Apple Fitness+, and iCloud+. Commissions are lower than the old program and the approval process is stricter.For most affiliate marketers, the current Apple program isn't worth targeting. Alternative Apple-adjacent affiliate opportunities exist through third-party stores selling accessories, cases, and complementary products.In MLM contexts, Apple products sometimes appear as incentive rewards in top-earner recognition programs but aren't part of the compensation plan itself. Some MLM tech-adjacent companies (though rare) build compensation plans around consumer electronics.Common mistakes to avoidAssuming the old Apple Affiliate Program still runs — it closed in 2018. Content built around it needs updating.Applying to the current program without meeting criteria — Apple's Performance Partners Program has strict content and traffic requirements.Ignoring third-party Apple accessory affiliate programs — cases, chargers, and accessories often pay better than Apple's direct programs.Confusing Apple Search Ads with affiliate marketing — Search Ads is a paid promotion model, not affiliate.Overinvesting in a single-vendor strategy — programs get closed or restructured. Diversify.Conclusion: does Apple have an affiliate program in 2026 has a nuanced answer. The historical program closed in 2018. The Apple Services Performance Partners Program covers a narrow slice of subscription products with modest commissions and strict entry. Most affiliate marketers get better returns elsewhere.Related questionsWhat replaced the old Apple Affiliate Program?For Apple, App Store Search Ads. For affiliates, Apple product categories now run through third-party retailers and accessory brands rather than direct Apple programs.Can I still make money promoting Apple products?Yes, through affiliate programs on Apple accessories, cases, and complementary products sold by third-party retailers on Amazon, Best Buy, and specialty stores.Why did Apple close the affiliate program?Apple shifted focus to App Store Search Ads, which give the company more control over discovery and monetization than an affiliate model.Does any MLM company sell Apple-style products?Rare. MLMs typically focus on consumables (wellness, beauty, financial services). Tech-focused MLMs exist but haven't reached the scale of consumer-goods MLMs.