3 min read
Apple has revealed its annual rankings of the most downloaded apps and games, showcasing trends in U.S. mobile usage for 2025. OpenAI’s ChatGPT emerged as the most downloaded free iPhone app, surpassing long-standing social media platforms and essential utilities.
The AI app’s rise underscores how quickly AI is becoming a part of everyday life. It also highlights OpenAI’s potential to challenge Google’s dominance in mobile search, as users increasingly turn to chatbots for quick answers. Earlier this year, ChatGPT became the world’s most downloaded app in March, overtaking TikTok and Instagram.
While ChatGPT took the top spot, other apps maintained strong positions in downloads. Threads, Google, TikTok, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, and Google’s Gemini rounded out the top ten free iPhone apps. Apple also shared highlights from its 2025 App Store Awards, recognizing the best apps and games of the year.
Last year, ChatGPT ranked fourth, trailing Chinese shopping app Temu. In 2023, it did not make the top 10, despite launching on iPhone in May to strong initial downloads.
Paid Apps and Games See Continued Demand
Apple also shared its top-paid apps and games. HotSchedules, Shadowrocket, and Procreate Pocket were the most downloaded paid iPhone apps. Minecraft: Dream It, Build It! led the paid iPhone games, while Block Blast! topped the free iPhone game charts.
On iPad, YouTube remained the most popular free app, and Procreate dominated paid downloads. Roblox led the free iPad games, while Minecraft and Geometry Dash were the top paid games.
Full List of Top Apps and Games
Top Free iPhone Apps:
ChatGPT, Threads, Google, TikTok – Videos, Shop & LIVE, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail – Email by Google, Google Gemini
Top Paid iPhone Apps:
HotSchedules, Shadowrocket, Procreate Pocket, AnkiMobile Flashcards, Paprika Recipe Manager 3, SkyView®, TonalEnergy Tuner & Metronome, AutoSleep Track Sleep on Watch, Forest: Focus for Productivity, RadarScope
Top Free iPhone Games:
Block Blast!, Fortnite, Roblox, Township, Pokémon TCG Pocket, Royal Kingdom, Clash Royale, Vita Mahjong, Whiteout Survival, Last War: Survival
Top Paid iPhone Games:
Minecraft: Dream it, Build it!, Balatro, Heads Up!, Plague Inc., Geometry Dash, Bloons TD 6, Stardew Valley, Papa’s Freezeria To Go!, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp C, Red’s First Flight
Top Free iPad Apps:
YouTube, ChatGPT, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, TikTok videos, Shop & LIVE, Google Chrome, Goodnotes: AI Notes, Docs, PDF, Canva: AI Photo & Video Editor, HBO Max: Stream Movies & TV
Top Paid iPad Apps:
Procreate, Procreate Dreams, forScore, ToonSquid, Nomad Sculpt, Shadowrocket, AnkiMobile Flashcards, Bluebeam Revu for iPad, Teach Your Monster to Read, Feather: Draw in 3D
Top Free iPad Games:
Roblox, Block Blast!, Fortnite, Perfect Tidy, Magic Tiles 3: Piano Game, Mini Games: Calm & Chill, Goods Puzzle: Sort Challenge, Hole.io, Subway Surfers, Township
Top Paid iPad Games:
Minecraft: Dream it, Build it!, Geometry Dash, Stardew Valley, Balatro, Bloons TD 6, Plague Inc., Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp C, Poppy Playtime Chapter 3, Purple Place – Classic Games, Papa’s Sushiria To Go!
Top Apple Arcade Games:
NFL Retro Bowl ’26, NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition, Balatro+, Snake.io+, Sneaky Sasquatch, Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Fruit Ninja Classic+, Bloons TD 6+, PGA TOUR Pro Golf, Solitaire by MobilityWare+
AI’s Growing Influence on Mobile
ChatGPT’s position as the most downloaded app reflects the increasing influence of AI in daily routines. From productivity to entertainment, AI tools are shaping how people interact with their devices. With continued innovation, AI apps may soon redefine the way mobile users search, communicate, and manage information.
