Apple recently announced the winners of the annual App Store Awards, highlighting the most innovative new apps and games of the year. They also revealed the most popular free and paid apps for both the iPhone and iPad. This overview offers a glimpse into how people are using their Apple devices and introduces some new apps worth trying.
Top iPhone Apps of 2025
OpenAI’s ChatGPT took the top spot as the most downloaded free iPhone app in 2025. The list also includes social media giants like Threads, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. Additionally, emerging platforms like rednote made their mark. Here’s a look at the complete list of the top free iPhone apps for 2025:
- ChatGPT
- Threads
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Google Maps
- Gmail
- Google Gemini
- CapCut: Photo & Video Editor
- Temu: Shop Like a Billionaire
- T-Life (T-Mobile)
- Telegram
- Lemon8
- Spotify
- Google Chrome
- Snapchat
- rednote
The top paid iPhone apps of 2025 focus on productivity and lifestyle, with apps like HotSchedules, Procreate Pocket, and Forest leading the way. The full list can be found on Apple’s website.
Top iPad Apps of 2025
ChatGPT also ranks high as one of the most downloaded iPad apps in 2025. The rest of the list is dominated by streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+. Here’s a look at the top iPad apps for 2025:
- YouTube
- ChatGPT
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Amazon Prime Video
- TikTok
- Google Chrome
- Goodnotes
- Canva
- HBO Max
- Peacock TV
- Color by Number
- Toca Boca World
- YouTube Kids
- Gmail
- Color Pop AI
- Spotify
- Simply Draw
- Paramount+
Explore the App Store beyond your usual apps to uncover hidden gems that could enhance your daily routine. From entertainment to productivity, there’s a world of possibilities waiting to be discovered.
