El-Balad has reported that OpenAI’s ChatGPT has emerged as the most downloaded free iPhone app in the United States for 2025. This ranking comes from Apple’s annual list, highlighting significant trends in mobile app usage.
Key Highlights from Apple’s 2025 App Rankings
ChatGPT has surpassed traditional favorites and utility apps, showcasing the increasing reliance on AI in everyday activities. In 2024, ChatGPT ranked fourth, while the Chinese shopping platform Temu held the top position. Notably, ChatGPT did not feature in the top ten of 2023, despite a strong launch on the iPhone in May 2023.
Performance Insights and Market Implications
The rise of ChatGPT reflects a broader shift in user behavior. People are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for quick answers, signaling a potential challenge to Google’s dominance in the mobile search market. Earlier in the year, ChatGPT had already set records as the top downloaded app globally in March, surpassing competitors like TikTok and Instagram.
Top Downloaded Apps and Games of 2025
| Top Free iPhone Apps |
|---|
| ChatGPT |
| Threads |
| TikTok |
| YouTube |
| Google Maps |
| Gmail |
| Google Gemini |
Most Popular Games
Among games, “Block Blast!” was recognized as the top free game this year. The top paid game was “Minecraft,” reflecting its enduring popularity across platforms. For iPad users, “YouTube” emerged as the most downloaded free app, while “Procreate” led in paid apps.
Conclusion
With significant shifts in user preferences, the dominance of ChatGPT in app downloads signifies a new era of AI integration into digital life. As AI technology continues to evolve, its impact on traditional app markets and user habits will be an area to watch in the coming years.
