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Apple Reveals The Most Popular And Downloaded Apps Of 2023: See The Full Lists Here

Which app stole the spotlight in the U.S. by surpassing Amazon in downloads? As Apple unveils its most-downloaded charts for 2023 , explore the intriguing shifts in app preferences, the rise of Chinese developers, and the evolving dynamics of the American digital landscape.

After revealing the winners of the 2023 App Store Awards last month, Apple has released a detailed overview of the year's most popular apps. In a recent press release, Apple recognizes “the most popular apps and games of 2023, with year-end charts localized for users in more than 35 countries and regions.”

Temu, the Chinese e-commerce company, has become Apple's most downloaded free app in the U.S. for 2023, boasting longer engagement times than Amazon.

Data from Apptopia, as reported by Bloomberg, indicated that users were dedicating 18 minutes daily to Temu's app, surpassing the 10 minutes spent on Amazon. Younger users, on average, spent even more time, clocking in at 19 minutes per day. Temu's allure extends beyond in-app games, with its bargain prices serving as a significant attraction, particularly in times of economic decline. Additionally, the app is heavily marketed, reminiscent of TikTok's promotional efforts leading up to its top-ranking status last year.

In the current year, apps developed by Chinese-based companies have claimed positions that were formerly occupied by U.S. tech giants such as Meta and Google. CapCut and TikTok, both originating from Beijing-based ByteDance, secured the third and fifth spots, respectively.

Meta, which occupied the No. 3, No. 4, and No. 9 positions last year with WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, respectively, has appeared in the top 10 this year with a slightly altered lineup. Notably absent from the charts is Facebook, while Meta's new app, Instagram Threads, secured the No. 4 spot in U.S. downloads. Instagram and WhatsApp followed at No. 6 and No. 9, experiencing a decline in position from the previous year's rankings.

In the previous year, Google had a strong presence on the list, with the No. 2 app, YouTube, closely trailing TikTok, and additional entries like No. 5 Google Maps, No. 6 Google Search, and No. 7 Gmail. However, in 2023, Google's representation in the top 10 downloads has diminished, with only two apps making the cut: No. 7 Google Search and No. 8 YouTube, both experiencing a decline in rankings compared to the previous year.

The sole top app on the list not affiliated with Meta, Google, or a Chinese company was Max (formerly HBO Max), which emerged as the third most downloaded app in the U.S.

The list of top paid apps highlights a distinct market, often comprising smaller developers or those creating valuable productivity tools, creative applications, or utilities that users are willing to purchase. Meanwhile, the top free games featured several winners from the previous year, such as Roblox, Call of Duty: Mobile, Subway Surfers, and Parking Jam 3D, along with some new additions. The top paid games in the U.S. were led by Microsoft-owned Minecraft. Apple's feature also encompasses distinct lists for the top iPad apps and games, categorizing them into both free and paid sections for the year. Additionally, it highlights the top Apple Arcade games, providing a unique insight into Apple's subscription gaming store.

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Here are the complete set of lists.

Most downloaded apps and games of 2023 in the U.S

Top Free iPhone Apps

Temu: Shop Like a Billionaire

CapCut - Video Editor

Max: Stream HBO, TV, & Movies

Threads, an Instagram app

TikTok

Instagram

Google

YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream

WhatsApp Messenger

Gmail - Email by Google

Top Paid iPhone Apps

Shadowrocket

HotSchedules

Procreate Pocket

The Wonder Weeks

75 Hard

AutoSleep Track Sleep on Watch

Goblin Tools

TonalEnergy Tuner & Metronome

SkyView

AnkiMobile Flashcards

Top Free iPhone Games

MONOPOLY GO!

Roblox

Royal Match

Subway Surfers

Gardenscapes

Call of Duty: Mobile

Block Blast!

Makeover Studio: Makeup Games

Parking Jam 3D

Survivor!.io

Top Paid iPhone Games

Minecraft

Heads Up!

Geometry Dash

Bloons TD 6

MONOPOLY

Papa’s Freezeria To Go!

Plague Inc.

Red’s First Flight

Five Nights at Freddy’s

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Top Free iPad Apps

Max: Stream HBO, TV, & Movies

YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream

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Netflix

Google Chrome

Disney+

Goodnotes 6

TikTok

Amazon Prime Video

Temu: Shop Like a Billionaire

Peacock TV: Stream TV & Movies

Top Paid iPad Apps

Procreate

Shadowrocket

Nomad Sculpt

forScore

Toca Life: Hospital

Bluebeam Revu for iPad

Teach Your Monster to Read

AnkiMobile Flashcards

Endless Paper

ToonSquid

Top Free iPad Games

Roblox

Magic Tiles 3: Piano Game

Subway Surfers

Royal Match

Among Us!

Duet Cats: Cute Cat Games

Stumble Guys

MONOPOLY GO!

Bridge Race

Gardenscapes

Top Paid iPad Games

Minecraft

Geometry Dash

Bloons TD 6

Stardew Valley

MONOPOLY

Five Nights at Freddy’s

Red’s First Flight

Poppy Playtime Chapter 1

Plague Inc.

Garten of Banban 2

Top Apple Arcade Games

NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition

Cooking Mama: Cuisine!

Bloons TD 6+

Angry Birds Reloaded

Sneaky Sasquatch

Warped Kart Racers

Hello Kitty Island Adventure

Snake.io+

Fruit Ninja Classic+

Solitaire by MobilityWare+

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