Archive — US — techcrunch
Gemini overtakes ChatGPT on App Store, as its Nano Banana AI model drivesdownloads up 45%
Gemini's app has overtaken ChatGPT on the App Store following the successful launch of its Nano Banana AI model, boosting downloads by 45% in September. The app reached 12.6 million downloads in September, climbing to the top spot after barely ranking in the top three earlier this year. With significant increases in user growth and consumer spending, Gemini has emerged as a leading AI application globally.
Key points
- Gemini launched the Nano Banana image editor in August 2025.
- The app saw a 45% increase in downloads month-over-month in September.
- Gemini reached 12.6 million downloads in September, up from 8.7 million in August.
- On September 12, Gemini overtook ChatGPT, rising to No. 1 on the U.S. App Store.
- Gemini is now among the top five iPhone apps in 108 countries.
- Despite growth on Google Play, ChatGPT remains at the top in that ecosystem.
- Gemini attracted 23 million new users since Nano Banana's launch, generating $6.3 million in revenue so far this year.
- The app's growth indicates a major shift in user interest towards advanced image editing tools.
Why it matters
- The competition between AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT mirrors the evolving landscape of AI applications in 2025.
- This growth coincides with trends prioritizing user-friendly AI tools that enhance creativity.
- Historically, launches of advanced AI models have led to rapid adoption, similar to previous tech trends.
- Consumer spending on mobile applications is increasing significantly, highlighting trends in digital consumption.
Gemini's rapid rise in the app marketplace, fueled by innovative features like Nano Banana, highlights a crucial shift in consumer preferences and the competitive dynamics of AI applications, marking it as a significant player in the digital landscape by 2025.