AI assistants top the list of most downloaded apps in 2025

A study by market intelligence firm AppTweak reveals that artificial intelligence apps have become the most popular among smartphone users. Last year, OpenAI’s ChatGPT led the global download rankings in this category, followed by Google Gemini and DeepSeek. Together, the top five assistants accounted for over 1.3 billion installations, highlighting the rapid integration of these tools into daily life.

The numbers behind the downloads

The research estimates app installations on the App Store and Google Play between January and December 2025. The data shows ChatGPT in first place, with approximately 845.2 million downloads. Google Gemini ranks second, with 305.2 million, while DeepSeek recorded 110.5 million. Rounding out the top five are Perplexity, with 89.1 million, and Grok from xAI, with 87.7 million. These figures are projections by AppTweak and do not reflect official store counts.

What each assistant is used for

While installation numbers indicate reach, the usefulness of each tool depends on the user’s needs. Below is a brief overview of their key features:

ChatGPT

Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT enables users to create and edit text, summarize documents, structure presentations, and generate ideas. Advanced versions also support image analysis and file manipulation, making them valuable for marketers, researchers, and analysts.

Google Gemini

Gemini is Google’s AI assistant, integrated into the company’s services. It not only answers questions and generates content but also connects to other Google tools, helping users summarize information, create documents, and organize tasks.

DeepSeek

DeepSeek stands out for its models capable of complex reasoning, programming, and text analysis. Developers often use it to interpret code snippets, debug applications, and develop solutions to technical challenges.

Perplexity

Perplexity focuses on research with cited sources. The tool searches the internet and provides answers with references, making it easier for professionals to verify data when tracking trends or preparing reports.

Grok

Developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, Grok combines conversation with search and content generation capabilities. Its integration with the X platform can help communication professionals follow real-time discussions, though it’s essential to verify information independently.

Why are AI assistants so popular?

The ability to perform multiple tasks within a single interface partly explains this growth. Instead of switching between various apps to write, search, or organize information, users can consolidate these activities within one assistant. A report by Sensor Tower, State of Mobile 2026, predicts that global time spent on generative AI apps will rise from 17.2 billion hours in the first half of 2025 to 36 billion hours in the same period in 2026.

However, intensive use also raises concerns. Inaccurate responses, outdated data, and privacy risks require professionals to critically review results, especially when dealing with sensitive customer information or financial decisions.

How to choose the right tool

The first step is to define the task at hand. For text creation and editing, general-purpose assistants like ChatGPT often meet a wide range of needs. When research is a priority, tools that provide sources, such as Perplexity, make verification easier. Technology professionals may prefer tools with programming and reasoning capabilities, like those offered by DeepSeek.

Testing the same task on multiple platforms, comparing outputs, and evaluating the limitations of free versions before subscribing to paid plans are also recommended practices.

The popularity of these apps reflects the growing demand for artificial intelligence solutions, but download numbers don’t guarantee a tool will be the most useful for a specific professional. The best outcome depends on choosing a tool that aligns with the specific goal, the quality of the information provided, and the ability to validate the content produced.