Google’s Gemini app has claimed the top spot in the Apple App Store, thanks to the launch of its innovative AI image model, Nano Banana. The app has experienced unprecedented growth in downloads, engagement, and revenue, attracting millions of new users in just a few weeks. This milestone underscores a major step forward for Google’s mobile AI ecosystem and demonstrates the rising adoption of AI-powered creative tools among both everyday users and professionals.
Since the August release of Nano Banana, Gemini’s adoption has surged. Users praise the app for simplifying complex image edits and generating highly realistic images, resulting in a 45% month-over-month increase in downloads. According to app intelligence firm Appfigures, Gemini recorded 12.6 million downloads in September, up from 8.7 million in August.
While these figures represent total downloads of the Gemini app, the Nano Banana AI model is credited with driving this surge, becoming the app’s most popular feature. According to Google Gemini and Google Labs VP Josh Woodward, since the launch of Nano Banana, Gemini has attracted 23 million new users across platforms, solidifying its position in the AI app market.
Shortly after the model’s debut, Gemini climbed from its previous high of No. 3 on the U.S. App Store in January 2025 to No. 1 by September 12, overtaking OpenAI’s ChatGPT. With this achievement, Gemini stands as the only dedicated AI app among the App Store’s top 10.
Nano Banana enables more precise and realistic edits than previous models, allowing users of all skill levels to create professional-quality images effortlessly.
Since launch, over 500 million images have been shared by new users, fueling organic growth and helping Gemini gain widespread recognition on social media platforms.
Gemini is now among the top five iPhone apps in 108 countries, reflecting its international popularity and the universal appeal of Nano Banana’s innovative AI features.
Gemini’s rapid adoption has translated into significant financial growth. The app generated $6.3 million on iOS in 2025, with $1.6 million coming in August alone, a 1,291% increase from January. Early September data suggests revenue is on track to match or exceed August’s figures, with $792,000 recorded so far.
The combination of innovative AI features and growing user engagement has encouraged in-app spending, making Gemini one of the most lucrative AI-driven apps on iOS.
While Gemini’s primary success is on iOS, the app has also shown strong growth on Google Play, jumping from No. 26 to No. 2 in the U.S. top apps, although ChatGPT remains the top Android app.
This surge reflects growing user interest in AI-powered image editing across multiple platforms and demonstrates Gemini’s ability to attract and engage users beyond the iOS ecosystem, expanding its global footprint.
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