Gemini Overtakes ChatGPT on App Store as Nano Banana Model Fuels 45% Download Surge
Key Points
- Gemini overtook ChatGPT to claim the #1 spot on the U.S. App Store in September.
- The Nano Banana model launched in August spurred a 45% month‑over‑month download increase.
- September downloads reached 12.6 million, compared with 8.7 million in August.
- On Google Play, Gemini rose to #2, while ChatGPT stayed at #1 on Android.
- 23 million new users have shared over 500 million images using the Nano Banana features.
- iOS revenue surged to $1.6 million in August, a 1,291% rise from January.
- Total downloads this year surpass 103 million, with 185 million worldwide since launch.
Google's Gemini app has vaulted to the top of the U.S. App Store, displacing OpenAI's ChatGPT after the August launch of its Nano Banana image‑editing model. The new model drove a 45% month‑over‑month jump in downloads, pushing Gemini to #1 on September 12 after briefly holding the #2 spot. On Google Play the app rose to #2, while ChatGPT remains the platform leader. Gemini’s rapid growth has also boosted its revenue, with August earnings soaring to $1.6 million and September on track for a similar haul. The app now boasts tens of millions of new users and hundreds of millions of images shared.
Gemini’s Rapid Ascent in Mobile Rankings
Google’s Gemini AI application has experienced a dramatic rise in mobile popularity since the introduction of its Nano Banana image‑editing model in August. Positive user feedback highlighted the model’s ability to simplify complex edits and generate realistic images, contributing to the app’s surge in the global app‑store charts.
In September, Gemini registered a 45% month‑over‑month increase in downloads, according to app‑intelligence firm Appfigures. The app recorded 12.6 million downloads in September, up from 8.7 million in August. This momentum propelled Gemini to the #2 position on the U.S. App Store on September 8 and then to the #1 spot on September 12, where it has remained, dethroning OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which slipped to #2.
Performance on Google Play and International Reach
Gemini’s climb was not limited to iOS. On Google Play, the app jumped from #26 on September 8 to #2 shortly thereafter, while ChatGPT held the top position on the Android platform. The rise placed Gemini among the top five iPhone apps in 108 countries worldwide.
User Engagement and Content Creation
Google Labs Vice President Josh Woodward highlighted that the Nano Banana release attracted 23 million first‑time users, who collectively shared over 500 million images. This high level of engagement underscores the model’s appeal to mainstream consumers seeking advanced image‑editing capabilities.
Revenue Growth
Revenue from Gemini on iOS devices has surged alongside download figures. The app generated $6.3 million in total revenue this year, with $1.6 million earned in August—an increase of 1,291% from January’s $115,000. By mid‑September, Gemini had already accrued $792,000, roughly half of August’s total, signaling continued upward momentum.
Cumulative Download Milestones
Since its launch on Android in February 2024 and its subsequent expansion to iOS, Gemini has amassed 103.7 million downloads this year and 185.4 million downloads overall. These figures reflect the app’s broad adoption across platforms and its growing footprint in the competitive AI‑assistant market.
Overall, Gemini’s strategic rollout of the Nano Banana model has catalyzed a significant shift in mobile AI app rankings, revenue streams, and user engagement, positioning Google’s offering as a formidable challenger to established competitors.