Which app stole the spotlight in the U.S. by surpassing Amazon in downloads? As Apple unveils its most-downloaded charts for 2023 , explore the intriguing shifts in app preferences, the rise of Chinese developers, and the evolving dynamics of the American digital landscape.
After revealing the winners of the 2023 App Store Awards last month, Apple has released a detailed overview of the year's most popular apps. In a recent press release, Apple recognizes “the most popular apps and games of 2023, with year-end charts localized for users in more than 35 countries and regions.”
Temu, the Chinese e-commerce company, has become Apple's most downloaded free app in the U.S. for 2023, boasting longer engagement times than Amazon.
Data from Apptopia, as reported by Bloomberg, indicated that users were dedicating 18 minutes daily to Temu's app, surpassing the 10 minutes spent on Amazon. Younger users, on average, spent even more time, clocking in at 19 minutes per day. Temu's allure extends beyond in-app games, with its bargain prices serving as a significant attraction, particularly in times of economic decline. Additionally, the app is heavily marketed, reminiscent of TikTok's promotional efforts leading up to its top-ranking status last year.
In the current year, apps developed by Chinese-based companies have claimed positions that were formerly occupied by U.S. tech giants such as Meta and Google. CapCut and TikTok, both originating from Beijing-based ByteDance, secured the third and fifth spots, respectively.
Meta, which occupied the No. 3, No. 4, and No. 9 positions last year with WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, respectively, has appeared in the top 10 this year with a slightly altered lineup. Notably absent from the charts is Facebook, while Meta's new app, Instagram Threads, secured the No. 4 spot in U.S. downloads. Instagram and WhatsApp followed at No. 6 and No. 9, experiencing a decline in position from the previous year's rankings.
In the previous year, Google had a strong presence on the list, with the No. 2 app, YouTube, closely trailing TikTok, and additional entries like No. 5 Google Maps, No. 6 Google Search, and No. 7 Gmail. However, in 2023, Google's representation in the top 10 downloads has diminished, with only two apps making the cut: No. 7 Google Search and No. 8 YouTube, both experiencing a decline in rankings compared to the previous year.
The sole top app on the list not affiliated with Meta, Google, or a Chinese company was Max (formerly HBO Max), which emerged as the third most downloaded app in the U.S.
The list of top paid apps highlights a distinct market, often comprising smaller developers or those creating valuable productivity tools, creative applications, or utilities that users are willing to purchase. Meanwhile, the top free games featured several winners from the previous year, such as Roblox, Call of Duty: Mobile, Subway Surfers, and Parking Jam 3D, along with some new additions. The top paid games in the U.S. were led by Microsoft-owned Minecraft. Apple's feature also encompasses distinct lists for the top iPad apps and games, categorizing them into both free and paid sections for the year. Additionally, it highlights the top Apple Arcade games, providing a unique insight into Apple's subscription gaming store.
Here are the complete set of lists.
Temu: Shop Like a Billionaire
CapCut - Video Editor
Max: Stream HBO, TV, & Movies
Threads, an Instagram app
TikTok
YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream
WhatsApp Messenger
Gmail - Email by Google
Shadowrocket
HotSchedules
Procreate Pocket
The Wonder Weeks
75 Hard
AutoSleep Track Sleep on Watch
Goblin Tools
TonalEnergy Tuner & Metronome
SkyView
AnkiMobile Flashcards
MONOPOLY GO!
Roblox
Royal Match
Subway Surfers
Gardenscapes
Call of Duty: Mobile
Block Blast!
Makeover Studio: Makeup Games
Parking Jam 3D
Survivor!.io
Minecraft
Heads Up!
Geometry Dash
Bloons TD 6
MONOPOLY
Papa’s Freezeria To Go!
Plague Inc.
Red’s First Flight
Five Nights at Freddy’s
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Max: Stream HBO, TV, & Movies
YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream
Netflix
Google Chrome
Disney+
Goodnotes 6
TikTok
Amazon Prime Video
Temu: Shop Like a Billionaire
Peacock TV: Stream TV & Movies
Procreate
Shadowrocket
Nomad Sculpt
forScore
Toca Life: Hospital
Bluebeam Revu for iPad
Teach Your Monster to Read
AnkiMobile Flashcards
Endless Paper
ToonSquid
Roblox
Magic Tiles 3: Piano Game
Subway Surfers
Royal Match
Among Us!
Duet Cats: Cute Cat Games
Stumble Guys
MONOPOLY GO!
Bridge Race
Gardenscapes
Minecraft
Geometry Dash
Bloons TD 6
Stardew Valley
MONOPOLY
Five Nights at Freddy’s
Red’s First Flight
Poppy Playtime Chapter 1
Plague Inc.
Garten of Banban 2
NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition
Cooking Mama: Cuisine!
Bloons TD 6+
Angry Birds Reloaded
Sneaky Sasquatch
Warped Kart Racers
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
Snake.io+
Fruit Ninja Classic+
Solitaire by MobilityWare+