Top Mobile Apps: Downloads and Revenue, January 2026

The analysis of global mobile application performance for January 2026 examines key trends in user demand, advertising activity, and monetization across the Apple App Store and Google Play. By evaluating top-performing titles, the assessment provides mobile publishers and developers with insights into competitive dynamics and shifting market preferences at the start of the year.

Several notable developments defined the mobile landscape during this period. ChatGPT experienced significant growth in South Korea, with total usage time increasing eightfold year-over-year, which propelled it to the top of the App Store revenue rankings. In the social media sector, Threads reached 141.5 million daily active users, surpassing X and exceeding 400 million monthly active users. Meanwhile, Google One secured the top revenue position on Google Play, bolstered by strategic early-year discounts and the integration of Gemini into family plans.

The findings also highlight specific regional and category-based successes. Temu emerged as the leading e-commerce platform in Poland, capturing over 20.34 million users and achieving 12.6% year-over-year growth. Additionally, the short-form drama category saw increased activity, with NetShort entering the top 20 download rankings on Android after promoting over 2,200 dramas. Subscription-based services, such as Paramount+, also influenced revenue outcomes through strategic pricing adjustments. Ultimately, the data suggests that while download volume remains a critical indicator of user interest, aligning user acquisition strategies with monetization models is essential for sustained market success.