The UAE’s favourite apps and games of 2025 are here
Apple’s year-end App Store charts highlight the most downloaded apps and games in the UAE for 2025, from ChatGPT to Minecraft. Here’s the full breakdown.
Apple has wrapped up its yearly download charts, showing which apps and games the UAE actually spent time on in 2025. The lists now sit on the App Store’s Today tab and give a clean snapshot of how people here browse, play, create, chat, and sometimes procrastinate.
ChatGPT led free downloads across iPhone and iPad, while Minecraft once again proved that a blocky sandbox still has UAE gamers in a chokehold. Apple also reminded everyone of the recent App Store Award winners, closing the year with a full look at what kept us tapping.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- ChatGPT topped both iPhone and iPad free app charts in the UAE.
- Minecraft stayed the most downloaded paid game across devices.
- Block Blast! dominated free games on both iPhone and iPad.
- Procreate and Procreate Dreams continued as top paid iPad apps.
- Apple Arcade users in the UAE favoured NBA 2K25, Snake.io+, and Sneaky Sasquatch.
iPhone apps: Chatting, scrolling, and… Temu
UAE iPhone users leaned on messaging, video, and search tools more than anything else.
- ChatGPT and WhatsApp led downloads.
- TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram remained daily habits.
- Google Gemini and Google Search both landed in the top 10.
- Temu made another strong appearance.
It’s a familiar picture: social apps, video platforms, and AI tools sit at the top because they’re used every day. Google apps remain popular because iPhone users still rely on them for search and navigation. Temu’s rise shows how aggressive discount shopping continues to shape mobile behaviour in the region.
Paid iPhone apps: Security, creativity, and niche tools
The paid chart shows what people think is worth spending on.
- Shadowrocket took the top spot.
- Procreate Pocket stayed a favourite for mobile sketchers.
- MilGPS and AnkiMobile stayed strong with specific audiences.
- Salatuk and iVerify also placed in the top 10.
People in the UAE continue to pay for privacy and utility. Shadowrocket and Threema show demand for secure, controlled connections and privacy-focused messaging. Creative apps like Procreate Pocket thrive because they’re cheap compared to desktop tools yet powerful enough for artists on the move.
iPhone games: Familiar names and new obsessions
The usual giants stayed popular, with a few UAE-specific picks sneaking in.
- Block Blast! took number one.
- Subway Surfers and PUBG MOBILE remain evergreen.
- Local favourite Jackaroo King appeared in the top 10.
- Strategy and survival games held strong.
Block Blast!’s puzzle-first pace seems to be the go-to comfort game this year. Subway Surfers is basically immortal at this point. And Jackaroo King speaks to the region’s love for traditional board games adapted for mobile.
iPad apps: Creativity and study tools win out
iPad downloads show different habits than iPhone.
- ChatGPT, YouTube, and TikTok topped free apps.
- Canva and CapCut point to a rise in quick mobile editing.
- Procreate and Procreate Dreams led paid iPad apps.
- Spelling Shed and Nomad Sculpt found a steady audience.
iPads in the UAE continue to be used for learning, drawing, and video watching. The Procreate apps dominate because the iPad is still unmatched for casual and professional digital art at this price.
iPad games and Apple Arcade: Minecraft still king
Minecraft sits at number one for both paid iPhone and iPad games.
- Geometry Dash, RFS, and Poppy Playtime remain top sellers.
- Roblox and Block Blast! dominate free downloads.
- On Apple Arcade, NBA 2K25, Snake.io+, and Sneaky Sasquatch were favourites.
The mix shows casual games rising alongside more complex ones. And Apple Arcade continues to work best for families—no ads, simple pick-up-and-play mechanics, and games people already know.
FAQs
What was the most downloaded free app in the UAE in 2025?
ChatGPT topped both the iPhone and iPad charts for free apps in the UAE.
What was the most downloaded paid app in the UAE?
Shadowrocket led paid iPhone apps, while Procreate topped paid iPad apps.
What was the most downloaded game in the UAE in 2025?
For free titles, Block Blast! dominated both iPhone and iPad. For paid titles, Minecraft: Dream it, Build it! remained number one.
Where can I view Apple’s full year-end charts?
The complete 2025 charts are available on the App Store’s Today tab on iPhone and iPad.
Did Apple also announce the 2025 App Store Award winners?
Yes. Apple revealed 17 award-winning apps and games last week, celebrating tools that helped users create, play, and stay connected in 2025.
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