Apple recently unveiled its annual list of the most downloaded apps and games for the year, showcasing the top performers in the U.S. market. Topping the ranks of free iPhone apps (excluding games) for 2025 is OpenAI’s ChatGPT, a cutting-edge AI app that has captured the attention of users across the country.
Surpassing popular apps like Threads, Google, TikTok, and WhatsApp, ChatGPT’s ascent to the number one spot signifies the growing influence of AI in people’s daily lives. Its ability to outpace social networking giants and essential utilities like Google Maps highlights the widespread integration of AI technology into everyday routines. Moreover, ChatGPT’s success hints at OpenAI’s potential to disrupt Google’s dominance in the mobile search market, as more users turn to chatbots for quick and accurate information.
ChatGPT’s journey to the top spot was not without hurdles, as last year saw Chinese shopping app Temu claim the number one position. Despite a strong debut in May 2023, ChatGPT didn’t make the top-ten list in 2023, making its 2025 achievement all the more impressive.
Earlier in the year, ChatGPT showed promising signs of reaching the summit, becoming the most-downloaded app globally in March, surpassing heavyweights like TikTok and Instagram. Apple also revealed a list of the top paid apps, free and paid games for both iPhone and iPad, as well as the top Apple Arcade games.
Among the highlights, Block Blast! emerged as the top free game of the year, while Minecraft secured the title of the top paid game. On the iPad front, YouTube claimed the number one spot as the top free app, while the creativity app Procreate was the top paid game. Additionally, Roblox reigned supreme as the top free iPad game.
The full list of top apps and games for the year includes ChatGPT, Threads, Google, TikTok, WhatsApp Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, and Google Gemini for free iPhone apps. Paid iPhone apps featured HotSchedules, Shadowrocket, Procreate Pocket, and others, while top free iPhone games included Block Blast!, Fortnite, Roblox, and more.
Paid iPhone games like Minecraft and Plague Inc. also made their mark, alongside top free iPad apps such as YouTube, ChatGPT, and Netflix. Procreate and Procreate Dreams led the list of top paid iPad apps, while Roblox and Block Blast! dominated as the top free iPad games.
In the realm of Apple Arcade games, titles like NFL Retro Bowl ’26, NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition, and Balatro+ showcased the diverse gaming experiences available on the platform. With a mix of entertainment, productivity, and creativity apps, Apple’s list reflects the dynamic landscape of mobile technology and the evolving preferences of users.
