On Wednesday, Apple unveiled its annual list highlighting the most downloaded applications and games in the U.S. for 2025. OpenAI’s ChatGPT emerged as the leading free iPhone app, surpassing all competitors in the non-gaming category. This significant milestone marks a dramatic rise for the AI tool, which previously ranked fourth in 2024 and had not made the top ten in 2023 following its iPhone introduction.
Trailing ChatGPT in the rankings were notable apps such as Threads, Google, TikTok, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, and Google’s Gemini. The ascendance of ChatGPT, particularly in a landscape dominated by social media and essential utilities, underscores the growing integration of AI into daily life. This trend suggests a potential shift in how users seek information, potentially challenging Google’s dominance in mobile search.
Earlier this year, ChatGPT was already showing signs of its popularity by becoming the most downloaded app globally in March, outpacing heavyweights like TikTok and Instagram. This trajectory emphasizes the shifting dynamics in app usage and the increasing reliance on AI platforms for various tasks.
In addition to the top free apps, Apple also highlighted its rankings for paid applications, games across iPhone and iPad, as well as popular titles on Apple Arcade. The free game of the year was “Block Blast!” while “Minecraft” secured the title of the top paid game.
Here’s a snapshot of the top free iPhone apps for 2025:
– ChatGPT
– Threads
– Google
– TikTok
– WhatsApp
– Instagram
– YouTube
– Google Maps
– Gmail
– Google Gemini
The annual rankings paint a vivid picture of the evolving app landscape, showcasing a clear trend toward AI-driven solutions amid users’ increasing need for innovative technology.
