Gemini App Tops Global Charts Following Launch of AI Image Editor Nano Banana
Gemini’s mobile app has experienced a significant surge in adoption since introducing its Nano Banana AI-powered image editor in August, according to data from app analytics firm Appfigures. The new model has been praised for enabling users to perform complex edits and generate realistic images more easily, fueling a 45% increase in downloads month-over-month in September.
In the first half of September alone, Gemini recorded 12.6 million downloads, up from 8.7 million in August. This momentum propelled the app to the No. 1 position on the U.S. App Store on September 12, overtaking OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which now holds the No. 2 spot. Prior to this, Gemini’s highest U.S. App Store ranking was No. 3 on January 28, 2025.
Globally, Gemini ranks among the top five iPhone apps in 108 countries, underscoring its widespread appeal. On Google Play, the app climbed from No. 26 to No. 2 in the U.S. within days, although ChatGPT remains the top app on the platform.
Google has highlighted Gemini’s rapid growth, with Google Gemini and Google Labs VP Josh Woodward reporting 23 million first-time users engaging with the Nano Banana model and sharing over 500 million images since its launch. This surge in user engagement has translated into substantial revenue gains.
Gemini generated an estimated $6.3 million on iOS devices this year, with $1.6 million earned in August alone—a 1,291% increase from January’s $115,000. Early September revenue reached $792,000, suggesting the app is on track to match or exceed August’s performance.
Since its debut on Android in February 2024 and subsequent iOS launch, Gemini has been downloaded over 185 million times globally, including 103.7 million downloads this year.
FinOracleAI — Market View
Gemini’s rapid ascent driven by the Nano Banana AI image editor signals strong user demand for advanced creative tools integrated into mobile apps. The significant increase in downloads and revenue highlights successful monetization and growing market traction. Key risks include competition from entrenched AI apps like ChatGPT and potential user fatigue in the AI image editing segment. Monitoring sustained engagement and revenue growth over the coming months will be critical to assessing long-term viability.
Impact: positive
