Temu has become the UK’s most downloaded iPhone app of 2024, according to new App Store data from Apple.
The Chinese shopping app, which operates a direct-from-factory model, has struck a chord with UK consumers and beaten out established online giants such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp.
Globally, Temu leads in 24 major markets, including the United States, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Australia, and South Korea. It also ranks second in competitive markets like Italy, France, and Japan.
In the UK, Shein was the second most downloaded app, followed by Threads, Vinted, ChatGPT, and TikTok. Other top performers included Tesco, Google, Microsoft Authenticator, Telegram, Uber, YouTube, and Gmail.
Temu’s rise reflects changing shopping habits, with consumers seeking affordability and convenience in increasingly competitive digital marketplaces.
But the brand’s success hasn’t been without controversy. A 2024 survey found that a whopping 94% of respondents didn’t trust the app, and Temu has been previously accused of mishandling customer data. But the concerns haven’t stopped its rapid ascent among iOS users, underscoring the strong demand for budget-friendly shopping options.
Elsewhere, the most downloaded paid-for app is proxy utility Shadowrocket, reflecting users’ growing interest in privacy-focused tools..
On iPads, streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, TikTok, and Disney Plus dominated, while social media platforms such as Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp were more popular on iPhones.
The games charts for 2024 also offers some intriguing insights. Block Blast, a Tetris-like puzzle game, leads the list of free iPhone games, followed by Monopoly Go, Roblox, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, and Township. Among paid iPhone games, Minecraft reigns supreme, with Heads Up and Geometry Dash trailing behind.
For iPads, Minecraft and Geometry Dash take the top two spots for paid games, with Five Nights at Freddy’s and Stardew Valley following closely. On the free iPad games chart, Roblox leads the pack, underscoring its continued popularity across platforms.
Apple also shared data from its Apple Arcade subscription service, where games are optimized for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The basketball simulation NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition emerged as the most downloaded game, followed by Snake.io+ and Hello Kitty Island Adventure.
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