The most downloaded apps on Google Play
WhatsApp, ChatGPT, Gemini and short drama apps lead Android downloads. The latest monthly ranking, the year so far and the most downloaded games.
Google doesn't publish how many times each app is downloaded: on a Play Store listing you only see ranges like "1B+". The figures on this page are estimates from analytics firms (AppMagic, Sensor Tower and others). Use them to spot trends, not as exact numbers.
Latest month: September 2026 on Google Play
| App | Approx. Google Play downloads | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 83.9 million | 1 | |
| ChatGPT | 69.9 million (+30.6%) | 2 |
| Spotify | 23.5 million (+15.1%) | Top 10 |
| ReelShort | 22.4 million (+14.1%) | 11 |
| Google Gemini | 19.9 million (+13.7%) | Top 20 |
Counting Android and iPhone together, ChatGPT was the world's most downloaded app in September 2026, with about 87 million downloads, ahead of TikTok. Gemini, Google's assistant, came third.
2026 so far
According to AppMagic data published mid-year, these were the year's most downloaded apps across Android and iPhone:
| Rank | App | Downloads |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ChatGPT | 363 million |
| 2 | TikTok | 249 million |
| 3 | Google Gemini | 222 million |
| 4 | 200 million | |
| 5 | 167 million | |
| 6 | 150 million | |
| 7 | CapCut | 147 million |
| 8 | Cici | 145 million |
| 9 | FreeReels | 136 million |
| 10 | Block Blast! | 115 million |
Most downloaded games
In September 2026, according to Sensor Tower, the world's most downloaded games were Roblox, Free Fire, Block Blast!, Subway Surfers and Bus Fever Party!, the last one being the month's fastest grower.
What the ranking tells us
- AI is in charge. ChatGPT and Gemini are among the most installed apps on the planet, and Claude has also reached the top 10 in some months.
- Short dramas are booming. ReelShort, FreeReels, DramaWave and NetShort show up every month; watch out for their weekly passes (see short drama apps).
- Old phones are being left behind. Since September 8, 2026, WhatsApp needs Android 6 or later. If an app doesn't show up for you, check why it isn't compatible.
Install them safely
- Download from Play Store and check the developer: OpenAI for ChatGPT, Google LLC for Gemini and WhatsApp LLC for WhatsApp.
- Popular apps have lots of look-alikes ("Chat AI", "GPT Chat"…). If it isn't from the official developer, it isn't the app you want.
- Avoid "premium" or "mod" APKs: they often carry malware. If you've installed one, see how to remove a virus.