Apple has released its annual list of the most downloaded apps on the iPhone, and ChatGPT has taken the number one position in the United States for 2025. The popular AI application has climbed from fourth place last year to the top of the chart, marking another major milestone in the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in consumer technology.
The new list includes the most downloaded free apps on the App Store. ChatGPT arrived ahead of major global platforms such as Threads, Google, TikTok, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, and Google Gemini. This shift highlights how quickly user habits are changing as more people turn to AI tools for information, assistance, and entertainment.
Most Downloaded iPhone App
ChatGPT did not appear in the top ten list in 2023, even though it launched on the iPhone in May of that year. By 2024, it secured the fourth position. The jump to the number one spot in 2025 shows how strongly the app has grown in daily use across the United States.
Industry analysts say the trend reflects a major shift in how people search for information. Many users now prefer to ask AI chatbots instead of opening a traditional search engine. As a result, platforms such as Google Maps and Google Search have moved lower in the rankings. This change signals a possible challenge to Google’s long standing leadership in mobile search.
The rise of ChatGPT has been steady throughout the year. Earlier in 2025, the AI tool became the most downloaded application worldwide. It surpassed TikTok and Instagram, which usually dominate global charts. This performance raised early expectations that ChatGPT could finish the year in the top position in the United States, and that prediction proved correct.
Apple’s full rankings show major shifts
Apple also released the lists for top paid apps, free games, paid games, and the most downloaded apps on the iPad. These lists show how user preferences are evolving across different devices.
For iPhone games, Block Blast was the most downloaded free game of the year. Minecraft remained the most downloaded paid game on the platform.
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On the iPad, YouTube was the most popular free app. Procreate, a well known creative tool, remained the top paid app. Roblox was the most downloaded free game for iPad users.
These rankings show that traditional entertainment and creative tools still hold strong positions on Apple devices. However, the sharp rise of ChatGPT demonstrates that AI powered apps are quickly becoming a central part of daily smartphone use.
A new era for consumer technology
The success of ChatGPT reflects the growing influence of AI in households, workplaces, and classrooms. The app’s climb to the top suggests that users want faster answers, personalised support, and more interactive experiences. This change may shape the future of digital services, search behaviour, and mobile app development.
As AI tools continue to expand, industry experts expect even more competition among tech companies. For now, ChatGPT has become the leading choice for millions of iPhone users, marking a new chapter in the evolution of mobile technology.
