Top Trending iPhone Apps in 2023
In the bustling realm of apps, the App Store is a treasure trove overflowing with options. Rumor has it that Apple's App Store houses over 1.8 million possibilities, meaning if your app graces this list, consider yourself blessed. And guess what? Apple's recently revealed the most downloaded iPhone and iPad apps of 2023.
Let's take a closer look at the hottest iPhone apps of the year!
The Pop Chart Takers
The most frequently downloaded free iPhone app in 2023 is none other than Temu. This discount marketplace saw a surge in popularity last year, and 2023 has only cemented its dominance. It remains a favorite, with many attributing its success to either its competitive pricing or aggressive marketing campaign.
Aside from Temu, the lineup of favorite apps is predictably top-notch. You'll find a mix of usual suspects like Max, Instagram, Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Gmail, but the eye-catcher is Threads overtaking the popular TikTok. The new kid on the block, Threads, has managed to capture attention primarily due to its innovative approach in a saturated market. (No X here, folks.)
Premium Picks
The priciest iPhone app of the year belongs to Shadowrocket, a service that lets you customize your iPhone or iPad's internet traffic using a proxy server, analogous to a VPN with added control. Additional standouts include hourly wage tracking app HotSchedules, creative toolbox app Procreate Pocket, and baby development app The Wonder Weeks.
Gaming Galore
The most popular free iPhone game of 2023 is MONOPOLY GO!. Joining it on the list are notable titles like Roblox, Subway Surfers, and Call of Duty: Mobile. Predictably, Minecraft leads the charge in paid apps, with Heads Up! following closely at second place.
The full lineup of top iPhone and iPad apps can be found below:
The Best Free iPhone Apps
- Temu: Shop like a millionaire
- CapCut - Video Editor
- Max: Stream HBO, TV, and Movies
- Instagram Theme Packs
- TikTok
- YouTube: View, Listen, Stream
- WhatsApp Messenger
- Gmail - Email from Google
Top Paid iPhone Apps
- Shadowrocket
- HotSchedules
- Procreate Pocket
- The Wonder Weeks
- 75 Steps
The Best Free iPhone Games
- Monopoly GO!
- Roblox
- Royal Rumble
- Subway Surfers
- Call of Duty: Mobile
Top Paid iPhone Games
- Minecraft
- Heads Up!
- Geometry Dash
- Balloon Tower Defense 6
The Best Free iPad Apps
- Max: Stream HBO, TV, and Movies
- YouTube: View, Listen, Stream
- Netflix
- Google Chrome
- Disney+
Top Paid iPad Apps
- Fruitbarrier
- Shadowrocket
- Nomadic Sculptor
- Points
The Best Free iPad Games
- Roblox
- Magic Tiles 3: Piano Tiles
- Subway Surfers
- Royal Rumble
- Under Us!
Most Popular Paid iPad Games
- Minecraft
- Geometry Dash
- Balloon Tower Defense 6
Apple Arcade's Top Games
- NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition
- Cooking Mama
- Balloon Tower Defense 6+
Sources:
Enrichment Data:
The data used for this analysis is based on the endorsement and rankings of the tech blog Ausseiderbot, which focused on popular apps in 2023. However, it's essential to note that the ranking data might not be directly provided by Apple as it does not release such specific information publicly. Nonetheless, this list serves as a decent starting point for identifying the trending apps of 2023.
For more comprehensive rankings, refer to authoritative sources like or for detailed records and comparisons across various categories. These resources contain data that Apple does not release publicly and give you a more holistic view of the app market.
