Apple’s App Store download charts for 2024 reveal which apps captured the attention of iPhone users this year. Forget the editorial lists of apps that impressed this year: this is pure, data-driven popularity. These download lists showcase what dominated iPhone screens in the US and beyond this past year.
Some familiar names held strong on this year’s lists, with TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube continuing to dominate the free charts. Bargain shopping app Temu maintained its top spot, while social media app Threads solidified its place on our home screens after its debut last year. On the paid charts, we mostly saw productivity tools and niche utilities thrive, while parenting app The Wonder Weeks fell off the rankings this year. ChatGPT perhaps had the most notable rise, underscoring the increasing influence of AI through 2024.
Here’s a breakdown of the top ten most popular free and paid apps of 2024. You’ll also find this list in the App Store’s Today page for the next week or so.
Top Free Apps of 2024
1. Temu: Shop Like a Billionaire
A shopping app offering deals that hooked bargain hunters across the country.
Meta’s platform for text-based conversations surged in popularity, riding on Instagram’s massive user base.
The reigning king of short-form video content, still a cultural phenomenon.
OpenAI’s app brought AI-powered conversations, advice, and creativity to the masses.
A blend of search, AI tools, and personalized features kept Google’s app indispensable.
The photo-sharing staple continued its reign as a social media favorite.
A go-to messaging app for private, encrypted communication worldwide.
A free, user-friendly tool for creating polished videos for social platforms.
9. YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream
Still a cornerstone for video entertainment and music discovery.
Efficient email management with Google’s signature search capabilities.
Top Paid Apps of 2024
A robust proxy utility popular with privacy-conscious users.
A must-have for managing work schedules in the service industry.
A compact version of the beloved illustration app for creatives on the go.
The companion app for the viral fitness challenge of the same name.
A smart tool for memorization, loved by students and lifelong learners alike.
6. AutoSleep Track Sleep on Watch
Detailed sleep tracking for Apple Watch users.
An organizational gem for food lovers and home cooks.
8. TonalEnergy Tuner & Metronome
A powerful app for musicians honing their craft.
A clever collection of tools aimed at neurodiverse individuals.
10. Forest: Focus for Productivity
A Pomodoro timer with a tree-planting twist to help users stay focused.