Google's Gemini mobile application has experienced a significant surge in downloads and market position, surpassing OpenAI's ChatGPT as the top application on the U.S. App Store. This ascent follows the August launch of Gemini's Nano Banana image editor model, which has been cited by users for its capabilities in complex edits and realistic image generation.
App intelligence firm Appfigures reported a 45% month-over-month increase in Gemini app downloads during the first half of September. The app recorded 12.6 million downloads in September through mid-month, an increase from 8.7 million downloads observed throughout August.
Before the Nano Banana model's release, Gemini's highest U.S. App Store ranking was No. 3 on January 28, 2025. Post-launch, the app reached the No. 2 spot on September 8 and then became the No. 1 application on September 12, displacing ChatGPT. Currently, no other dedicated AI applications are positioned within the top 10 on the U.S. App Store, according to Appfigures' data. Globally, Gemini also entered the top five iPhone applications in 108 countries.
On the Google Play platform in the U.S., Gemini climbed from No. 26 on September 8 to the No. 2 overall application. However, ChatGPT maintained its top position on Android's store as of the reporting period.
Google has highlighted Gemini's expanding user base, particularly in response to its new image editing features. Josh Woodward, Google Gemini and Google Labs VP, stated on September 8 that the app had attracted 23 million new users since the Nano Banana model debuted, resulting in users sharing over 500 million images.
The app's growth has also translated into increased consumer spending. Appfigures estimates that of the $6.3 million Gemini generated this year on iOS devices, $1.6 million accrued in August, largely after the Nano Banana model's release. This represents a 1,291% increase from the $115,000 recorded in January. For September, Gemini has generated $792,000 so far, suggesting it is on track to match or exceed August's revenue figures.
To date, Gemini's app has accumulated 185.4 million downloads since its initial launch on Android in February 2024 and subsequent expansion to iOS.
