Google Gemini becomes most 'popular' app as Nano Banana fuels record downloads

Google Gemini

Google’s Gemini app is riding a massive wave of popularity thanks to the launch of its Nano Banana image editor, which has quickly turned into a global viral hit. The tool’s ability to handle complex edits and generate photorealistic images has pushed Gemini to the top of app store rankings worldwide.

Surging downloads

According to new data from app intelligence firm Appfigures, Gemini has already logged 12.6 million downloads in September — up from 8.7 million in August, a 45% month-on-month jump. That’s despite September being only halfway through.

On iOS, Gemini became the No. 1 app in the US App Store on September 12, dethroning OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and has held that spot since. Previously, it had never climbed higher than No. 3, back in January.

On Google Play, the app leapt from the 26th spot on September 8 to No. 2, though ChatGPT still holds the top spot on Android.

Gemini is now among the top five iPhone apps overall in 108 countries, highlighting its global pull.

Explosive user growth

Google executives have been touting the surge. Gemini and Google Labs VP Josh Woodward said on September 8 that the app had attracted 23 million new users since Nano Banana’s release, who collectively shared 500 million images.

Revenue impact

The buzz is translating into real money. Gemini earned $1.6 million in August alone on iOS — a 1,291% increase from January’s $115,000. In total, the app has pulled in $6.3 million this year. September is on pace to meet or beat August’s revenue, with $792,000 already generated halfway through the month.

The bigger picture

Since its February 2024 Android debut and later iOS expansion, Gemini has been downloaded 185.4 million times, including 103.7 million this year — cementing Nano Banana as Google’s first true consumer hit in AI.