Most Popular Apps in the US (2026): Top 10 Ranking vs 2012
Which are the most popular apps in the US? In January 2013 we shared comScore’s list of the most used smartphone apps, when Facebook had just overtaken Google Maps as the number one app and Yahoo Messenger, Pandora and Cooliris were still in the top ten. The list looks very different in 2026. AI assistants, short video and messaging now lead. Here is the latest ranking, compared with 2012.
Quick answer: According to Apple’s 2025 App Store rankings, the most downloaded free iPhone apps in the US were ChatGPT, Threads, Google, TikTok, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail and Google Gemini. By time spent and monthly users, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Google and TikTok remain the giants.
Table of Contents
Most popular iPhone apps in the US (2025)
Apple’s year-end list ranks free iPhone apps by US downloads. In 2025 ChatGPT took the top spot for the first time.
| Rank | App |
|---|---|
| 1 | ChatGPT |
| 2 | Threads |
| 3 | |
| 4 | TikTok |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | YouTube |
| 8 | Google Maps |
| 9 | Gmail |
| 10 | Google Gemini |
Source: Apple’s annual App Store top charts, as reported by TechCrunch. Downloads measure new installs, so long-installed apps like Facebook can rank lower even though they are used by more people every day.
2012 vs 2026: what changed
- Facebook was number one in 2012. It is still one of the most used apps, but new downloads have shifted to Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads, all owned by Meta.
- Google had five apps in the 2012 top ten: Maps, Play, Search, Gmail and YouTube. Google Search, Maps, Gmail and YouTube are still there, joined by Gemini.
- Yahoo Messenger shut down in 2018, replaced by WhatsApp and iMessage.
- iTunes became Apple Music, Apple TV and Podcasts.
- Pandora lost ground to Spotify and YouTube Music.
- Cooliris closed; photo sharing moved to Instagram.
- AI apps did not exist; now ChatGPT and Gemini are top ten downloads.
Other popular app categories
- Shopping: Amazon, Temu and Walmart.
- Streaming: Netflix, Spotify and YouTube TV. Parents can block Netflix adult content.
- Delivery: DoorDash, Uber and Instacart; see our look at instant home delivery apps.
- Messaging and privacy: WhatsApp and Signal. Learn how to stop WhatsApp disappearing messages.
How app popularity is measured
Rankings differ depending on whether they count downloads, monthly active users or time spent. Apple and Google publish yearly download charts, while firms like Sensor Tower and Appfigures estimate usage across both stores. Always check which measure a list uses before comparing.
Trends behind the 2026 list
Three big shifts explain the new ranking. First, AI went mainstream: in just a few years, chat assistants moved from novelty to everyday tools for search, homework, writing and planning, which pushed ChatGPT and Gemini into the top ten. Second, short video took over: TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts now compete for the same minutes that people once spent scrolling Facebook’s news feed. Third, messaging became the new social network: group chats on WhatsApp and iMessage replaced much of the public posting of the early 2010s. Meanwhile, utilities like Google Maps and Gmail stay in the list year after year simply because almost everyone needs them.
Popular apps on Android
Google publishes its own yearly Play Store highlights, and the Android picture is similar: Google’s own apps are pre-installed, so downloads favour social, messaging, shopping and AI apps. If you are setting up a new phone, the safest approach is to install apps only from the official App Store or Google Play and to review app permissions after installing.
FAQ
What is the most downloaded app in the US?
ChatGPT was the most downloaded free iPhone app in the US in 2025, according to Apple.
What is the most used app in the US?
By monthly users, YouTube, Facebook and Google apps are usually at the top.
Is TikTok still available in the US?
Availability has been affected by US legislation and ongoing negotiations, so check the latest news before relying on it.
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The apps of Google are way more popular comparing to the other apps, that is very good to see. I am wondering if the popularity of Facebook decreases if Google will take the #1
Yes. Those are popular in USA. But among those, all are not so popular in Asia or Africa.
Amazing to see how popular the products of Google are compare to other apps. It’s a very interesting post
Thanks a lot for sharing the list of most popular apps in US. Not surprised to see Facebook at the top and Yahoo Messenger occupying the last position. Nice post.
Thanks for sharing such a nice post.Face book is popular not only in US but also in whole world.
Thanks for sharing such a nice post.Face book is popular not only in US but also in whole world.
Damn, i’m starting to hate fb… everywhere is fb, even on tv…
Yes, these are very popular Apps. I use a few of these.
LOL, so FB is top in US also not only india.