10 most downloaded apps and games from the App Store in 2024

The end of 2024 has arrived, and with it, the traditional retrospective lists, including the most downloaded apps and games from the App Store. This year, Apple highlighted user preferences, separating apps into categories such as free, paid and games, reflecting usage trends and interests. These lists show not only what was popular, but also how users’ needs and enjoyments changed throughout the year. Get ready to explore the highlights of 2024 and find out if your favorites are among the chosen ones.

Let’s check out the apps and games that marked the year and understand why they were so successful. From tools that make everyday life easier to immersive gaming experiences, Apple’s selection is a reflection of what most impacted the mobile universe in 2024. Keep reading and discover the great champions!

Open in another tab and read below:

Tutorial: How to create your Instagram story retrospective in just a few steps

Tutorial: How to create your Steam 2024 retrospective and remember your favorite games of the year

Top 10 free apps on iPhone

Free applications on the iPhone continue to be led by names that are already public favorites, in addition to some new features that have gained ground. Apps like Temu, Threads and TikTok dominated for their functionality and social appeal.

• Temu: Shop Like a Billionaire
• Threads
• TikTok
• ChatGPT
• Google
• Instagram
• WhatsApp Messenger
• CapCut – Video Editor
• YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream
• Gmail – Email by Google

Top 10 paid apps on iPhone

Among paid applications, specific features and unique tools won over users. Applications like Shadowrocket and Procreate Pocket stood out for their ability to meet unique needs, whether focused on productivity or creativity.

• Shadowrocket
• HotSchedules
• Procreate Pocket
• 75 Hard
• AnkiMobile Flashcards
• AutoSleep Track Sleep on Watch
• Paprika Recipe Manager 3
• TonalEnergy Tuner & Metronome
• Goblin Tools
• Forest: Focus for Productivity

Top 10 free games on iPhone

Free iPhone games showed great diversity, with options for different age groups and preferences. Titles like Roblox and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile stood out, bringing high-quality, social experiences.

• Block Blast!
• MONOPOLY GO!
• Roblox
• Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile
• Township
• Last War: Survival
• Royal Match
• Brawl Stars
• Subway Surfers
• My Perfect Hotel

Top 10 paid games on iPhone

Paid games maintained a premium standard, with deep and immersive experiences. Minecraft and Geometry Dash are among the favorites, showing that quality and immersion continue to be priorities for players.

• Minecraft: Play with Friends
• Heads Up!
• Geometry Dash
• Papa’s Freezeria To Go!
• Bloons TD 6
• Five Nights at Freddy’s
• Plague Inc.
• MONOPOLY: The Board Game
• Stardew Valley
• Red’s First Flight

Top 10 free apps on iPad

On the iPad, free apps such as YouTube and Netflix were the most downloaded, reflecting users’ preference for multimedia content and entertainment on larger screens.

• YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream
• Netflix
• Max: Stream HBO, TV, & Movies
• Calculator – Pad Edition
• Disney+
• Google Chrome
• Peacock TV: Stream TV & Movies
• Amazon Prime Video
• TikTok
• Good notes 6

Top 10 paid apps on iPad

The most downloaded paid apps on the iPad, such as Procreate and Nomad Sculpt, stood out for serving content creators and professionals, showing the device’s versatility for creative activities.

• Procreate
• Procreate Dreams
• Shadowrocket
• forScore
• Nomad Sculpt
• ToonSquid
• Bluebeam Revu for iPad
• AnkiMobile Flashcards
• Teach Your Monster to Read
• Endless Paper

Top 10 free games on iPad

Free games on the iPad gained ground by offering experiences adapted for the larger screen. Titles like Roblox and Subway Surfers remain among the favorites, offering fun for all ages.

• Roblox
• Magic Tiles 3: Piano Game
• MONOPOLY GO!
• Subway Surfers
• Brawl Stars
• Geometry Dash Lite
• Block Blast!
• Among Us!
• My Perfect Hotel
• Royal Match

Top 10 paid games on iPad

Paid games on the iPad stood out for their graphic quality and engaging stories. Titles like Minecraft and Stardew Valley are examples of the iPad’s potential as a premium gaming platform.

• Minecraft: Play with Friends
• Geometry Dash
• Five Nights at Freddy’s
• Stardew Valley
• Bloons TD 6
• Papa’s Paleteria To Go!
• Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
• Poppy Playtime Chapter 1
• MONOPOLY: The Board Game
• Ultimate Custom Night

Apple Arcade Highlights in 2024

Apple Arcade continued to grow in relevance in 2024, with exclusive games like NBA 2K24 and Hello Kitty Island Adventure that appealed to different age groups and player styles. The service’s distinguishing feature remains its diversity and ad-free experiences.

• NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition
• Snake.io+
• Hello Kitty Island Adventure
• Sneaky Sasquatch
• Bloons TD 6+
• Sonic Dream Team
• NFL Retro Bowl ’25
• Disney Dreamlight Valley
• Cooking Mama: Cuisine!
• Solitaire by MobilityWare+

The list of the most downloaded applications and games of 2024 is a reflection of what marked the year in the mobile universe. While apps like Temu and Procreate stood out in their categories, games like Minecraft and Roblox showed the strength of digital entertainment. This retrospective is an invitation to explore new experiences and understand what makes the mobile market one of the most dynamic in the world.

How about trying out the highlights from this list and seeing for yourself what made them the most popular of the year?