Gemini Overtakes ChatGPT to Hit No.1 Spot in App Store

Google’s Gemini app has risen to the top of the free apps chart on the App Store in both Canada and the U.S., surpassing ChatGPT for the first time.

The surge comes as new features, especially the “Nano Banana” image editing tool, attract users in large numbers and push Gemini ahead in rankings in key regions.

The Nano Banana feature was released at the end of August and lets users upload images and make inline edits while keeping the character consistent. It can remove one or two elements from an image and maintain the rest which is a capability many AI models struggle with.

This tool appears to be a major reason behind the sudden rise in popularity. Free users can access the feature though paid users enjoy higher rate limits.

Gemini has also introduced a redesigned prompt bar and visual guidance in the Gemini Live function recently. These updates along with Nano Banana seem to have struck a chord among users leading to rapid downloads and improving its position on app charts. The achievement is particularly noticeable because it marks the first time Gemini has overtaken both ChatGPT and DeepSeek in the Top Free Apps list on iOS.

Made it to no.1 in the App Store. Congrats to the @GeminiApp team for all their hard work, and this is just the start, so much more to come! https://t.co/GbSDPX64mY

— Demis Hassabis (@demishassabis)

September 13, 2025

Google has been rolling out new features to Gemini at a fast pace which seems to be part of its strategy to win more users. Alongside Nano Banana, they have been improving user experience through interface changes and added tools.

Analysts expect that if Gemini can maintain its momentum, especially with its image editing tools, its competitive gap with ChatGPT may narrow further.