The people have spoken — or at least, they’ve downloaded these apps a lot. At the end of 2025, Apple revealed its annual App Store Awards, spotlighting the best apps and games as chosen by App Store editors. But editor picks are only half the story. The real pulse of the year comes from people’s choice data: the most downloaded apps and games on iPhone and iPad in the United States.
Apple recently released its official download rankings for 2025, giving us a fascinating look at how Americans actually used their devices over the past year.
A Few Caveats to Keep in Mind
Before diving into the lists, it’s important to understand what these rankings do — and don’t — tell us:
Apple does not disclose exact download numbers We don’t know how close the competition was between rankings Downloads don’t necessarily equal long-term usage or satisfaction
Some apps may have surged due to hype, while others became daily essentials. Still, the results offer a compelling snapshot of digital life in 2025.
Big Takeaways From 2025 App Downloads
ChatGPT Dominates
Unsurprisingly, ChatGPT was the most downloaded free iPhone app in the U.S. for 2025 and ranked second on iPad. Its rise reflects how AI has become a mainstream productivity and creativity tool — not just a novelty.
Threads Stays Strong
One of the biggest surprises? Threads finished #2 on iPhone. Launched by Meta in 2023, Threads became the fastest-growing app in history at launch. Two years later, it’s still pulling massive download numbers — even though it requires an Instagram account to use.
Notably:
Instagram ranked #6 on iPhone X (formerly Twitter) did not crack the top 10 TikTok remained a top contender at #4
iPad = Streaming Central
On iPad, entertainment ruled. Four of the top five free iPad apps were streaming platforms, underscoring the iPad’s role as a couch-friendly media device.
Top Free iPhone Apps of 2025 (U.S.)
ChatGPT
Threads
Google
TikTok – Videos, Shop & LIVE
WhatsApp Messenger
Top Paid iPhone Apps of 2025
HotSchedules
Shadowrocket – Proxy Utility
Procreate Pocket – Sketch and Paint
AnkiMobile Flashcards
Paprika Recipe Manager 3
Top Free iPhone Games of 2025
Block Blast!
Fortnite
Roblox
Township
Pokémon TCG Pocket
Top Paid iPhone Games of 2025
Minecraft: Dream it, Build it!
Balatro
Heads Up!
Plague Inc.
Geometry Dash
Top Free iPad Apps of 2025
YouTube
ChatGPT
Netflix
Disney+
Amazon Prime Video
Top Paid iPad Apps of 2025
Procreate
Procreate Dreams
forScore
ToonSquid
Nomad Sculpt
Top Free iPad Games of 2025
Roblox
Block Blast!
Fortnite
Perfect Tidy
Magic Tiles 3: Piano Game
Top Paid iPad Games of 2025
Minecraft: Dream it, Build it!
Geometry Dash
Stardew Valley
Balatro
Bloons TD 6
What These Rankings Say About 2025
The most downloaded apps and games of 2025 reflect a few clear trends:
AI is now mainstream, not niche Social media remains powerful, even as platforms shift Streaming dominates tablets Games with long-term replay value continue to win
For the full, official charts, Apple recommends opening the App Store on your device, selecting the Apps or Games category, and scrolling to the rankings section.
Whether you’re tracking tech trends or just curious what everyone else had on their phones this year, one thing is clear: 2025 was a defining year for AI, entertainment, and mobile gaming.
Thanks to BTDesigns for the technical article and expertise.
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