List of 10 Most Popular Free iPhone Apps of 2025 in the U.S., #No.2 Will Surprise You!

Dec 17, 2025, 01:54 EDT

Discover the list of 10 most popular free iPhone apps of 2025 in the U.S revealed by Apple. Check rankings by downloads, including ChatGPT, Threads, TikTok and why No.2 Will Surprise you.

Most Popular Free iPhone Apps 2025
Most Popular Free iPhone Apps 2025

Do you know what the free iPhone apps of 2025 are, which Apple has already revealed as its official 2025 App Store Award winners?

If you are not aware, then a select group of standout apps across its platforms have been highlighted in this blog. As the year wraps up, Apple has also shared its rankings of the most downloaded free iPhone apps in the United States through its App Store Awards 2025. Stay tuned for our series on such blogs that reflects real consumer behaviour rather than curated acclaim.

The list in this blog depicts how iPhone users in the U.S. rely on their devices for communication, content consumption, navigation and increasingly, artificial intelligence. The results confirm familiar favourites while also revealing how newer platforms are gaining traction.

List of 10 Most Popular Free iPhone Apps of 2025 in the U.S. Revealed by Apple

List of 10 Most Popular Free iPhone Apps of 2025 in the U.S.

The table below shows the list of the 10 most popular free iPhone apps of 2025 in the U.S., ranked by total downloads:

Rank

App Name

1

ChatGPT

2

Threads

3

Google

4

TikTok – Videos, Shop & LIVE

5

WhatsApp Messenger

6

Instagram

7

YouTube

8

Google Maps

9

Gmail – Email by Google

10

Google Gemini

Source: App Stores for iPhone by Apple

Here are the Top 10 Free iPhone Apps in the U.S. (2025) revealed by Apple:

Free iPhone Apps of 2025 in the U.S. Revealed by Apple! Read Now

1. ChatGPT

OpenAI’s AI assistant claims the top spot. It reflects widespread adoption for writing, learning, productivity and everyday queries. Therefore, it has emerged as the king of digital tools when it comes to iPhone's Rankings by Apple 2025.

2. Threads

It is one of the most surprising as Meta’s text-based social platform continues to grow. Moreover, users explore alternatives to X, that are boosted by deep Instagram integration.

3. Google

The core Google app remains essential for search, discovery and personalised information on iOS, in the United States in 2025.

4. TikTok 

TikTok maintains its popularity through short-form video, live content and in-app shopping. Even after its regulatory uncertainty, TikTok marks its spots among free iPhone apps in the U.S.

5. WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp Messenger provides End-to-end encryption and a cross-platform messaging platform. Due to this, WhatsApp maintains its spot as a staple communication app in the U.S.

6. Instagram

Instagram with its interactive features such as Reels, Stories and creator tools ensure its continued dominance in visual social media in the U.S. in 2025.

7. YouTube

Youtube is one of the most popular free iPhone apps in 2025. From long-form content to Shorts and live streaming, it remains a cornerstone of mobile video consumption.

8. Google Maps

Google Maps through its Navigation, local discovery and real-time traffic updates secures a permanent place on U.S. users’ home screens.

9. Gmail – Email by Google

Reliable performance, strong spam filtering and seamless Google integration keep Gmail widely used.

10. Google Gemini

Google’s AI-powered assistant rounds out the list, highlighting the growing demand for generative AI tools on smartphones.

Therefore, the world of AI-driven apps like ChatGPT and Google Gemini signals a clear shift in how users interact with their phones in 2025. Social platforms continue to evolve, while core utilities such as maps, email and video remains the same way they were. Together, these apps paint a picture of an iPhone ecosystem centred on connectivity, creativity and intelligent assistance.

You may also like to read: What is Instagram's Newly Launched 'Your Algorithm' Feature? Here's How It Works!

As user habits continue to change, these rankings reveals how the digital tools are shaping everyday life in the United States.


Manvi Upadhyaya
Manvi Upadhyaya

Content Writer

    Manvi Upadhyaya is an experienced content writer who is passionate about creating authentic content by delivering credible facts to people. She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and is fond of art, languages, culture, and education. She has been a published co-author and compiler for many anthology book projects. She creates educational and informative content for international audiences. You can reach out to her at manvi.upadhyaya@jagrannewmedia.com

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    FAQs

    • What do the 2025 free iPhone app rankings reveal about U.S. user trends?
      +
      The rankings show rising demand for AI tools alongside social media and essential utilities. They reflect a shift toward smarter, more connected mobile usage.
    • Are App Store Award winners the same as the most downloaded free iPhone apps?
      +
      No, App Store Awards are editorial picks focused on quality and innovation. Download rankings are based purely on user demand and install numbers.
    • Why did ChatGPT rank as the number one free iPhone app in 2025?
      +
      ChatGPT saw massive adoption for AI-driven writing, learning, and productivity tasks. Its everyday usefulness made it the most downloaded free app.
    • How did Apple determine the most popular free iPhone apps of 2025?
      +
      Apple ranked apps based on total downloads from the U.S. App Store. The list reflects real consumer usage rather than editorial or award-based selections.

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