Apple highlights the role services played during the pandemic in 2020

Apple on Wednesday highlighted how customers used its own services in 2020 and looked ahead at what could come next in 2021.

The company noted that, as its customers adapted to a new normal of staying at home, they turned to "expertly curated apps, news, music, podcasts, TV shows, movies, and more to stay entertained, informed, connected, and fit."

"Now more than ever before, customers around the world have found inspiration and value in the breadth and quality of Apple's services, which have impacted their lives in big and small ways every day," said Apple Services chief Eddy Cue.

For the App Store, Apple said that developers have now earned more than $200 billion from the marketplace since 2008.

Over the holiday season, App Store customers spent $1.8 billion between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve — and mostly on games. New Year Day's saw a record-breaking single day spend of more than $540 million.

Apple also highlighted some of the third-party apps that had the most impact during the year. Two of the most-downloaded apps in 2020 were Zoom and Disney+. Games like "Among Us" and "Roblox" also turned out to be breakout hits in 2020.

Apps like ShareTheMeal, FaceTime, and Wakeout! "inspired people to give back, stay in touch with loved ones, and take care of themselves," the company added.

Engagement with Apple Music also doubled throughout 2020, and more than 90% of iOS 14 users took advantage of new features like Listen Now and personalized radio stations. Apple called 2020 a "record year" for its music streaming service, as users spent more than discovering and engaging with new tracks.

Apple says its TV-related services also took strides in 2020. The Apple TV app launched on select LG, Sony, Vizio, PlayStation and Xbox devices. As of 2021, it's now available on more than 1 billion screens in more than 100 countries and regions.

The Apple TV+ streaming service also brought in 159 award nominations and 45 wins and accolades. Primetime Emmy Award, Daytime Emmy Awards, a SAG Award, an NAACP Image Award, a Peabody Award, Critics Choice Award, Critics Choice Documentary Awards, a Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award, Cinema Eye Award, Kidscreen Awards, and more.

Apple also highlighted some of the new content coming to Apple TV+ in 2021, including second seasons of "Dickinson," "Servant," and "For All Mankind." Additionally, new series and films like "Losing Alice," "Palmer," and "Cherry" are also on the horizon.

The Apple Books platform also saw growth during 2020. Apple says the platform now draws in more than 90 million actively users per month. Apple News launched new curated local news and personalized radio stations.

Users also turned to Apple Podcasts and Apple Arcade to stay engaged and informed in 2020. Toward the end of 2020, Apple also launched new services and services options such as Apple Fitness+ and Apple One.

"We're incredibly optimistic about where we're headed, and we believe that the opportunities for developers and the creative community are endless, as are the positive and meaningful benefits to our customers," Cue said.

Here are some of the relevant facts for Apple's services in 2020.

• Developers have earned more than $1.8 billion from the App Store since 2008.
• App Store customers spent $1.8 billion on goods and services between Christmas and New Year's Eve.
• Customers ushered in the new year on Jan. 1 with a record-breaking $540 million spent on the App Store.
• Many small and independent developers became part of the App Store Small Business Program.
• Apple Music engagement doubled in 2020.
• The Apple TV app is now available on more than 1 billion screens in more than 100 countries and regions.
• Apple TV+ has been honored with 159 award nominations and 45 wins or accolades since its launch in 2019. That includes a Primetime Emmy Award, a Daytime Emmy, and a SAG award.
• Apple Books now draws in more than 90 million monthly active users.
• More than 90% of stores in the U.S. and 85% of stores in the U.K. accept Apple Pay. In Australia, it's 99%.