These were the most downloaded apps of 2024

Apple Reveals the UK’s Most-Downloaded Apps and Games of the Year

Apple’s App Store has dropped its annual list of the most-downloaded apps and games in the UK, and bargain hunting is officially the new scrolling. While TikTok used to dominate, this year’s big winners are shopping apps Temu and Shein, alongside secondhand fashion favorite Vinted.

Bargain Hunting Beats Doomscrolling

The free apps chart is led by Temu: Shop Like a Billionaire, a budget shopping app that’s taken over social media ads this year. Founded just two years ago, Temu offers everything from gadgets to home goods at ridiculously low prices, shipped straight from China.

 

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Close behind is Shein, the fast fashion giant Gen Z loves for its ultra-affordable dresses, sometimes priced as low as £3. Meanwhile, Vinted—where users can snag preloved fashion—secured fourth place, proving that secondhand shopping is still trending.

Social media’s new kid on the block, Threads, made a strong third-place debut. Meta’s rival to Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) now boasts 275 million active users, giving X (368 million) a run for its money. And yes, AI made the list too: ChatGPT claimed fifth place, showing our growing fascination with generative AI apps.

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Paid Apps Go Practical

If you’ve been revising for your driving theory test, you’re not alone. The Driving Theory Test 4 in 1 Kit and Official DVSA Theory Test Kit topped the paid apps chart, proving that practical tools still dominate where people put their money.

Also popular this year: Squeezy, the £2.99 app helping women stay on top of their pelvic floor exercises, and Official Life in the UK Test, essential for those applying for British citizenship.

 

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The Gaming Takeover

When it comes to paid games, Minecraft: Play with Friends remains unbeatable at #1, reminding us that pixelated adventures still have staying power. Following closely are charades-inspired party game Heads Up! and Plague Inc., where players strategize to spread a deadly pathogen (yep, still darkly relevant).

Meanwhile, the free games list sees Block Blast! taking the crown, followed by viral hit MONOPOLY GO! and evergreen favorite Roblox.

iPads Get Artsy

On the iPad front, streaming platforms like Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube dominated the free app charts (no surprise there). In the paid category, creative tool Procreate reigned supreme, proving iPads are still a go-to for digital artists.

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The App Store Legacy

It’s wild to think the iPhone launched without third-party apps. Steve Jobs was initially against it, but Apple’s eventual move to open the App Store in 2008 changed everything. Today, there are nearly two million apps on the platform.

As Apple puts it: “The App Store is the safest and best place for users to discover and download apps and games.” Whether you’re perfecting your feed, hunting bargains, or prepping for your driving test, 2024’s app trends prove one thing: the App Store is still at the heart of how we live our digital lives.