ChatGPT tops Apple’s 2025 app downloads in the US
The latest Apple rankings show how AI is reshaping download trends across the US app market.
Apple has released its annual ranking of the most downloaded apps and games, with ChatGPT taking the top spot among free iPhone apps in the United States for 2025, marking a major moment for AI in mainstream consumer use.
The OpenAI chatbot rose from fourth place last year, surpassing established social platforms and everyday utilities. Its ascent highlights how quickly AI-driven tools have become embedded in daily habits and how they may challenge the dominance of traditional search apps on mobile devices.
Apple’s charts show broader shifts across categories. Threads, Google, TikTok, WhatsApp, and Instagram also ranked highly among free iPhone downloads, while Google’s Gemini entered the top ten, reflecting the growing presence of competing AI assistants in the mobile ecosystem.
Gaming trends remained strong. Block Blast! led the US free iPhone games list, while Minecraft held its position as the top paid title across devices. ChatGPT also became the second-most downloaded free app on iPad, signalling consistent demand for AI across screens.
Apple says the rankings reflect the evolving mix of entertainment, creativity, and productivity tools shaping the App Store landscape, as AI continues to influence how people search, work, and play across its platforms.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech, and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
