Nano Banana AI effect: Google Gemini beats ChatGPT to become the most popular app on Play Store

ChatGPT Go vs Gemini AI Plus: Productivity and integrations Gemini AI Plus integrates directly into Google Workspace apps such as Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, providing side-panel assistance for editing, summarizing, and drafting. ChatGPT Go, meanwhile, emphasizes productivity through Python tools for data analysis, extended memory for personalized conversations, and custom GPTs for tailored workflows. Users who depend heavily on Google apps may find Gemini’s approach seamless, while standalone productivity seekers may prefer ChatGPT.

Google Gemini has surged ahead on the Google Play Store, becoming the most downloaded app, thanks largely to the popularity of its Nano Banana AI image editing feature. The app combines conversational AI with creative tools, attracting millions of users seeking both practical and entertainment uses.

Since its launch on August 26, Gemini has recorded significant adoption. By September 9, the app had gained 23 million new users. The integration of Nano Banana, which allows users to generate 3D-like figurines and edit images with precision, has played a key role in the app’s rapid growth.

Features and usage

Nano Banana is central to Gemini’s appeal. The AI tool allows users to generate, modify, and customize images while maintaining consistent likeness of subjects. Users can apply style transfers, merge multiple photos, or manipulate images conversationally. The tool’s versatility has helped it go viral across social media, where creators have produced millions of images in just a short period. Google reports that more than 500 million images were edited using Nano Banana within the first two weeks of availability.

Free users can generate or edit up to 100 images per day, while subscribers, starting at $19.99 per month, can process up to 1,000 images daily. This accessibility has further boosted Gemini’s adoption compared to other AI tools.

Competitive landscape

Gemini’s rise has pushed it past other AI apps on the Play Store. In the US, it ranks ahead of ChatGPT, which now holds the second position, and social app Threads in third. Google’s own apps, including Search, Maps, and Chrome, remain among the top 15, showing the broader strength of the ecosystem.