Apple Affiliate Program Review: 7% Commission Rate (2023)
Looking to join the Apple affiliate program, now called the "Performance Partners Program"? As one of the most valuable technology companies in the world, Apple is still beating earnings estimates according to Investopedia. So, ready to learn how to get paid to promote beautiful Apple products you love and work with the brand?
In this article, I'll be sharing my personal experience with Apple affiliate marketing and answer frequently-asked questions such as how it works, how to sign up, commission rates, and more.
Does Apple have an affiliate program?
Yes, the Apple affiliate program is officially called the "Performance Partners Program", which you can find on their official website here: https://www.apple.com/working-with-apple-services/.
The Apple affiliate program is managed by the Partnerize network, so you will need a Partnerize account in order to apply.
It is 100% legit and completely free to sign up and join.
Please note that the official "Performance Partners Program" only covers Apple Services products including:
Apple Music
Apple News+
Apple Fitness+
Apple TV+
TV & Movies
MLS Season Pass
Apple Podcasts
Apple Books
If you want to learn how to get paid to promote Apple Products like iPhones and MacBook Pros, then keep reading...
How do I apply for Apple affiliate program?
You can apply for the Apple affiliate program on their official website here: https://partners.applemediaservices.com/.
The requirements to join explicitly state that applications will NOT be considered if you:
Provide a URL to a website that is still under construction or invalid
Appear to not be the legitimate website or property owner
So you will need to have a live website with custom domain and high-quality content to get approved.
Knowing the high-quality standards at Apple, their application process seems quite strict.
If you need help creating a professional affiliate website quickly, check out my affiliate marketing for beginners guide.
How much does Apple affiliate program pay?
The Apple affiliate program pays 7% commission rate on certain services like Apple TV "TV & Movies", and a "one-time payment" commission on other services.
You can see a complete list here: https://performance-partners.apple.com/commissions-payments
Other ways to get paid for promoting Apple products like iPhones and MacBooks (other than services like Apple TV)?
One important thing to note about the official Apple affiliate program is that it seems to only cover the following services (as opposed to products).
You were probably hoping to promote some high-ticket items like the latest iPhone or MacBook Pro.
One way to get paid for promoting some Apple products is the popular Amazon Associates affiliate program, which I've written about in detail.
Other potential programs that may offer Apple products include:
Pros and Cons of the Apple affiliate program
Pros
Get paid up to 7% commission rate on qualified purchases
Gain Valuable Insights: Partnerize provides a robust reporting system that will allow you to track performance and segment traffic by campaigns, along with advanced pivot features.
Earn Commission: All qualifying conversions tracked through the program will earn commission and provide additional income for promoting Apple Services.
Access Special Assets: Partners can gain access to special marketing assets available through our suite of tools and resources.
Enhance Your App or Site: Using a preview player for Apple Music or Apple Books or adding an Apple TV+ trailer to your website can greatly enhance user engagement. If you have an app, MusicKit can add exciting content and ways to interact.
Cons
The official "Performance Partners" program only includes Apple Services like Apple TV+, as opposed to their popular consumer electronics products like iPhones, iPads, MacBook Pros, etc.
Requires a Partnerize affiliate network account before applying
Application process and criteria is quite strict
My personal experience and thoughts on the Apple affiliate program
After reviewing Apple's official affiliate program, I'm a bit disappointed.
The first thought that I have when I think of Apple is their amazing consumer hardware products like iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, AirPods, and the list goes on...
So to see that the official program only seems to cover their "services" like Apple TV and Apple Music, it doesn't have me chomping at the bit to get started.
These are very low-ticket items and you'd need massive volume to make any substantial commissions.
On the other hand, it's great that there is still alternatives to the official program if you DO want to promote their products.
I'd probably stick with Amazon Associates if I wanted to promote Apple.
Best Alternatives to Apple affiliate program
I've reviewed dozens of affiliate programs and here are my best recommendations for similar or alternative programs to Apple that may offer products at more competitive commission rates and cookie-window durations: