ChatGPT Takes Crown as Most Downloaded US iPhone App

Americans are voting with their downloads - and they're choosing AI. ChatGPT officially became the most popular free app on Apple's US App Store in 2025, according to Apple's annual rankings released Wednesday. The OpenAI-powered chatbot edged out shopping apps and social media platforms that have traditionally dominated the charts.

From Underdog to Top Dog

The achievement marks a significant milestone for ChatGPT, which didn't even crack the top ten when it first launched on iPhone in May 2023. Last year, it placed fourth behind shopping sensation Temu. But steady improvements and growing public fascination with AI have propelled ChatGPT to the number one position.

"We're seeing a fundamental shift in how people interact with technology," says tech analyst Mark Chen of FutureView Research. "Users aren't just searching anymore - they're having conversations with their devices."

Changing How We Access Information

The rankings reveal more than just popularity - they highlight changing user behaviors. While Google's Gemini ranked tenth, analysts note ChatGPT's rise suggests potential disruption in mobile search habits.

Early signs emerged last March when ChatGPT became the world's most downloaded app globally, outperforming TikTok and Instagram. The latest US ranking confirms Americans increasingly view AI chatbots as primary tools rather than novelties.

What This Means Going Forward

The success underscores several key developments:

• Mainstream Acceptance: AI chatbots have moved beyond early adopters to general consumers
• Behavioral Shift: Users prefer conversational interfaces over traditional search methods
• Market Impact: OpenAI emerges as serious competition to Google's search dominance

As Chen observes: "When people choose an AI assistant over social media for their precious phone space, you know something significant is happening."

Key Points:

• ChatGPT ranks #1 in US iPhone downloads for 2025
• Marks first time an AI chatbot tops Apple's annual rankings
• Surpasses shopping apps and social media platforms
• Signals shift toward conversational interfaces
• Potential challenge to Google's mobile search dominance