NEW YORK (AP) — The app-etite for apps is strong. Apple said Thursday that its App Store customers set a record for billings by spending nearly half a billion dollars on apps and in-app purchases during January's first week. It said New Year's Day was also the single biggest day ever in App Store sales history.

Apple Inc. said billings climbed 50 percent in 2014 and apps produced more than $10 billion in revenue for developers.

The company launched the App Store in 2008. The store has more than 1.4 million apps for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users in 155 countries. Apps are available in 24 categories, including games, social networking, photo & video, sports, health & fitness, travel and kids.

Apple's stock gained $2.87, or 2.7 percent, to $110.62 in late morning trading.