Apple has released its annual roundup of the most downloaded apps on the U.S. App Store for 2025, revealing a landscape dominated by AI tools, social media, and essential utilities — excluding games.
Leading the pack is OpenAI's ChatGPT, marking its first time at No. 1 after climbing from fourth place in 2024 (when Chinese shopping app Temu held the top spot) and not even cracking the top 10 in 2023.
The full top 10 free iPhone apps (non-games) for 2025 are:
1. ChatGPT (OpenAI);
2. Threads (Meta);
3. Google (Google)
4. TikTok (ByteDance);
5. WhatsApp (Meta);
6. Instagram (Meta);
7. YouTube (Google);
8. Google Maps (Google);
9. Gmail (Google);
10. Google Gemini (Google).
This list underscores a banner year for Google, whose apps occupy exactly half the spots — a clear sign of the company's enduring grip on mobile essentials like search, video, navigation, email, and now AI.
Despite persistent chatter about Google's potential decline amid rising AI competitors, these download numbers tell a different story: its ecosystem remains indispensable for millions of iPhone users.
The breakout star in the AI category is Google Gemini, debuting at No. 10 thanks to major updates and integrations throughout 2025 that boosted its visibility and functionality. While ChatGPT stole the spotlight with its rapid ascent to the throne, Gemini's inclusion as the only other AI chatbot in the top 10 highlights Google's strengthening position in consumer-facing artificial intelligence — proving that, after a slower start, it's now firmly competing with nimbler rivals.
Meta also performed strongly, securing three spots with Threads (a surprising No. 2, reflecting sustained interest in the X/Twitter alternative), WhatsApp, and Instagram. TikTok held steady at No. 4, demonstrating resilience amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny in the U.S.
These rankings, published in mid-December 2025, reflect actual download data from the U.S. App Store over the full year. They differ from Apple's separate App Store Awards, which honor editorial picks for innovation rather than pure popularity.
As we head into 2026, the competition in AI-driven apps looks set to intensify. With Google embedding Gemini deeper into its services and OpenAI continuing to innovate with ChatGPT, next year's list could feature even more direct showdowns between tech giants.
One thing's clear: predictions of Google's downfall seem increasingly like media hype, as user behavior continues to favor its reliable, ubiquitous tools.
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Author: Slava Vasipenok
Founder and CEO of QUASA (quasa.io) - Daily insights on Web3, AI, Crypto, and Freelance. Stay updated on finance, technology trends, and creator tools - with sources and real value.
Innovative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in IT, fintech, and blockchain. Specializes in decentralized solutions for freelancing, helping to overcome the barriers of traditional finance, especially in developing regions.
