Apple has released its annual ranking of the most-downloaded apps and games, with OpenAI’s ChatGPT emerging as the No. 1 free iPhone app in the United States for 2025, underscoring the rapid mainstream adoption of generative AI tools.
ChatGPT surpassed platforms such as Threads, TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Gmail and Google Maps. Google’s Gemini ranked tenth.
The achievement marks a steep rise from 2024, when ChatGPT placed fourth behind newly viral shopping app Temu. In 2023, the app did not make the top ten at all despite launching on iPhone that year.
The surge reflects a broader shift in user behaviour, as AI tools increasingly compete with traditional search and social platforms for daily engagement. Analysts say the ranking highlights OpenAI’s growing challenge to Google’s dominance in mobile search, with more people now turning to chatbots for quick answers.
Apple also released rankings for paid apps, iPad apps, and games.
Key highlights include:
Top Free iPhone Apps (2025)
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ChatGPT
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Threads
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Google
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TikTok
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WhatsApp
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Instagram
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YouTube
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Google Maps
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Gmail
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Google Gemini
Top Free iPhone Games
— Block Blast!
— Fortnite
— Roblox
Top Paid iPhone Games
— Minecraft
— Balatro
— Heads Up!
On iPad, YouTube was the most-downloaded free app, followed by ChatGPT and major streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+. Procreate topped the paid iPad app list.
Apple Arcade’s top titles included NFL Retro Bowl ’26, NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition, and Balatro+.
