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Most Popular Apps in 2026 that are Showing a Dominance Already this Year

These most popular apps from different categories have led the global app market for a few months.

LifestyleJanuary 05, 2026

The global app ecosystem is dominated by majorly communication apps or gaming apps. However, there are exceptions like Amazon which also lead the market as the most popular app in the world. If we look at Statista statistics, in September 2022, TikTok remained a leader among the most downloaded apps with 23.96 million downloads while Instagram followed this one of the most popular social media apps with 21.17 million downloads.

What are the most popular apps right now?

1.

TikTok

Rated 4.7
Rated 4.1
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version37.9.338.1.0
    Device SupportedAndroid 5.0 and upiOS 12.2 or later
    SubscriptionFree, in-app purchasesFree, in-app purchases
  • Top Features

    • Personalized video feed tailored just for you<br />
    • Pause and resume video recording with a single tap<br />
    • Extensive free music and sound library for video enhancement<br />
    • Advanced editing tools to trim, cut, and merge clips<br />
    • Engage with a global community of creative content creators
  • More about product

    TikTok stands out as one of the best social media apps for the Apple Vision Pro, bringing its dynamic and engaging platform to the forefront of mobile video entertainment. Known for its rich, short-form video content, TikTok caters to a diverse range of interests—from comedy and sports to DIY and everything in between. Whether you're looking to laugh, learn, or connect, TikTok’s personalized video feed makes it easy to find content that feels custom-tailored to your preferences. The app’s intuitive design integrates seamlessly with Apple Vision Pro, enhancing user experience with crisp visuals and responsive controls.

    Creators can leverage TikTok’s advanced editing tools, including a variety of filters, effects, and AR capabilities, to craft compelling videos. Adding your favorite tracks to videos is a breeze, with access to an extensive library of free music and sounds that keep pace with the latest trends. For those who love creating on the go, TikTok on Apple Vision Pro best apps list ensures your creativity is never hampered, allowing you to pause and resume recordings with a simple tap, ensuring every moment is captured with precision.

2.

Instagram

Rated 4.7
Rated 4.3
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest VersionVaries with device362.0.0
    Device SupportedVaries with deviceiOS 15.1 or later
    SubscriptionFree, In-app PurchasesFree, In-app Purchases
  • Top Features

    • You can drop a message to your friends with messenger<br />
    • Create and discover short, entertaining videos on Instagram with Reels<br />
    • Post photos and videos to your feed that you want to show on your profile<br />
    • Get inspired by pictures and videos from new accounts in Explore
  • More about product

    In Instagram, the moments you capture have their own story, and the creativity in it has no boundaries. It connects you with your friends, share what you're up to, or see what's new from others worldwide. The app allows you to be yourself and share everything from your daily moments. Instagram invites you to share your life's highlights, see the stories of others, and interact with a worldwide community that embraces art, culture, and originality.

3.

Zoom

Rated 4.6
Rated 4.2
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version6.4.3.289136.4.3
    Device SupportedAndroid 8.0 and upiOS 13.0 or later
    SubscriptionFree & In-App PurchasesFree & In-App Purchases
  • Top Features

    • Create and join meetings with other Zoom users
    • Share messages, photos, videos, and other files with your network
    • Access voicemails or transcripts of your conversations
    • Set auto receivers to redirect or auto receive calls
    • Join Zoom meetings with a simple link
  • More about product

    Use this one of the best video conferencing apps to create or join meetings with high-quality audio and video. The app lets you share your screen with people you are connected with on Zoom. Moreover, with a stable internet connection, you can use Zoom without paying any charges to connect with other users.

4.

Spotify

4.5
Rated 4.8
Rated 4.3
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version9.0.2.4599.0.2.459
    Device SupportedAndroid 7.0 and upiOS 15.0 or later
    SubscriptionFree and in-app purchasesFree
  • Top Features

    • Choose from a list of over 80 million songs and 4 million podcasts<br />
    • Best-in-class sound quality with seamless sync across devices<br />
    • Create a playlist that is shareable and reusable<br />
    • Provides the comfort of Android wear integration<br />
    • Premium subscription to delimit sound quality, no ads, etc.
  • More about product

    Spotify has remained among the best free music apps for Android for years, not just for me but for people worldwide. And with good reason. In the list of free apps for Android, Spotify as an entrant is a go-to app for many to discover music, in the first place. It has a collection of more than 80 million songs with endless content for you to explore.

    Searching for a song is super easy. All you have to do is put the name of the song or type in the lyrics, and it will show all the right options. Plus, with this app, you get daily mixes that are tailored to your taste. But what if I tell you that not only music but you also get access to over 4 million podcasts? Yes, Spotify is also often considered the best free podcast app for Android, and for all the right reasons. In fact, its library of podcasts includes names like The Joe Rogan Experience, We Can Do Hard Things, Crime Junkie, Huberman Lab, etc.

    And, if we talk about the versatility of this app, then you can create and share playlists, explore tracks, and even download songs for offline play. Overall, whenever I feel like satiating my thirst for great music, it is an app that I latch on to.

    Also Read: Best Music Apps for Android and iOS Users

5.

Rocks Video Player

4.1
Rated 0.0
Rated 4.2
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version11.1.0.112N/A
    Device SupportedAndroid 5.0 and upN/A
    Subscription$0.49 - $15.99 per item, in-app purchasesN/A
  • Top Features

    • The app provides offline and free online subtitles<br />
    • You have access to download any Instagram post<br />
    • Get gesture controls to enhance your viewing experience<br />
    • The pop-up window functionality improves your video experience
  • More about product

    Introducing Rocks Video Player, the ultimate video-watching experience for everyone! The IG downloader boasts an intuitivе and еlеgant usеr intеrfacе dеsignеd for downloading and saving desired photos and vidеo content from Instagram.

    Starting off, Rocks Video Player offers a user-friendly interface. Even if you're new to video apps, you'll find it super simple to navigate. You can find your favorite videos quickly, thanks to the organized layout. Plus, this Instagram video downloader’s lightweight design ensures it won't slow down your device.

    With Rocks, you can also explore the world of customization. Users can adjust settings to fit their viewing preferences. Choose subtitles, play with audio options, and even control playback speed. The IG video downloader is all about watching videos your way.

    But that's not all! the app also provides you the option to share your favorite content with family and friends. Rocks Video Player makes it easy to connect and share videos across various devices. Whether you're at home or on the go, keep your favorite videos right at your fingertips.

6.

8 Ball Pool

Rated 4.7
Rated 4.5
  • Top Features

    • Excellent touch control
    • Multiple game modes
    • Play with friends online
    • Challenge your friends and play for pool points
  • More about product

    Miniclip's 8 Ball Pool has been around for a while and is effortlessly commended as the best multiplayer game on Android. The idea is straightforward, the game is an immediate test system of the 8 Ball Pool understanding on users' smartphones.

    Additionally, on account of prevalent requests, the game has now included a 9 Ball mode too, giving users the best of both gaming modes. In case you're into pool gaming, Miniclip's 8 Ball Pool is the one for you.

7.

Call of Duty : Mobile

Rated 4.7
Rated 4.3
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version1.0.421.0.42
    Device SupportedAndroid 5.0 and upiOS 9.0 or later
    Subscription$0.99 - $99.99 per itemFree
  • Top Features

    • Mobile optimized game<br />
    • New maps and seasons<br />
    • Character and gear customization<br />
    • Android games with best graphics
  • More about product

    Call of Duty mobile is among the best Android fighting games to play, offering an ad-free experience. Soon after its launch, the game became intensely popular due to its unique gameplay and immersive graphics. Similar to other COD games, this also offers classic online FPS PvP games and has a consistently increasing massive user base. Moreover, the game offers a 100-player battle royale mode and includes in-app purchases for cosmetic gear. Also, you can enjoy the game with different multiplayer modes like team deathmatch, domination, and more.

8.

Amazon

Rated 4.8
Rated 4.4
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version30.10.0.10025.10.0
    Device SupportedAndroid 9 and upiOS 15.0 or later
    SubscriptionFree and in app purchasesFree
  • Top Features

    • It Empowers you with a choice to select the date of delivery at your convenience<br />
    • Offers discounts and other benefits for &lsquo;Prime&rsquo; members<br />
    • Amazon Flow- allows you to find items by clicking pictures of their desired products<br />
    • Access to OTT platforms and music streaming services<br />
    • Enables same-day and hourly delivery of products
  • More about product

    Amazon is the world’s largest online store and the most popular app when it comes to online shopping. It has spun into the largest growing e-commerce app and most prominent retailer. It has transformed the ways of buying and selling online and has made it a lot more convenient.

    Amazon provides high-quality products at affordable prices. You can find everything from home decor to clothing and accessories at lower prices. It is a growing e-commerce app that also offers other services like streaming platforms, music, audible books, etc.

    One of the best apps like Temu, Amazon Shopping, offers app-only benefits to help you make shopping on Amazon faster and easier than shopping on your desktop. This alternative app allows you to view the full 360° product and lets you see items from every angle. Amazon’s “View in your room” feature makes sure it fits by using your phone’s camera and VR so you can see it in your space.

    You also get real-time tracking and delivery notifications, so you know where your package is and when it will arrive. The app helps you save your time by staying securely signed in. You just need to tap the heart icon to save items to Your Lists, and the app will remind you when the price drops so you don’t miss a deal.

9.

Hostelworld

Rated 4.9
Rated 4.8
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version25.0325.04
    Device SupportedAndroid 9 and upiOS 16.0 or later
    SubscriptionFreeFree
  • Top Features

    • Discover hostel events and local activities<br />
    • Offers a variety of social features to connect<br />
    • Free cancellation is available on all bookings<br />
    • Explore legit reviews from over 13 million users
  • More about product

    Lacking a decent budget for your trip? Can't afford to spend hefty on your solo trip? Or are you looking for affordable hotel booking apps?

    The Hostelworld is the best hotel booking app for you. Don’t let your budget restrict you from exploring the world. Unfurl the traveler in you, go on unlimited trips and leave the stay bookings to Hostelworld.
    Hostelworld gives you access to cheap yet comfortable and safe hostels. With over 16,500 hostels in 180 countries, the app is slowly becoming a favorite among travelers.

    It is the best booking app for hotels that not only helps you find cheap stays but also gives you the opportunity to socialize with like-minded travelers. Don't be surprised if you find yourself making a travelers group with buddies you find at Hostelworld.

    The app itself promotes social connections by giving you access to local chat groups as soon as you book a place. You can chat with fellow travelers who are traveling or have already traveled to the same place. Also, you can even see who will be at your hostel during your stay.

    The unique feature of Hostelworld is that you can make your traveler profile showcasing your past and present travel endeavors and build a traveling community.

10.

LinkedIn

Rated 4.7
Rated 4.3
  • Tech Specifications

    MetricsAndroidiOS
    Latest Version4.1.10359.1.428
    Device SupportedAndroid 9 and upiOS 16.6 or later
    Subscription$7.49 - $839.88 per item$29.99 - $69.99
  • Top Features

    • Use Find Nearby and QR code scanner features to find and connect easily<br />
    • The app allows you to apply easily to millions of jobs with your resume<br />
    • Stay on top of the latest news and conversations happening in your industry<br />
    • Send messages and get alerted when your contacts reply<br />
    • Download LinkedIn
  • More about product

    LinkedIn is among the best professional networking apps for job seekers, professionals, and businesses. It helps you build your network, find business contacts, connect with recruiters, and use your professional profile as an online resume.

    LinkedIn is the app that will help you find the right job opportunities to apply. You can use job search alerts to get notified when new positions open up in companies you’re interested in, or you can directly connect with recruiters or employees in your network. For professional networking, you can even ask for a referral for companies you’re applying to and get your resume noticed directly in the company.

    Well, that is all for this list of the most famous apps for Android and iOS users. To enlist each app in this report, we first referred to statistics to check out the leading names in the industry currently. 

    Now, if you are a developer as well and want our experts to review your application, you can write to us and get your app reviewed to have an opportunity to list your product on MobileAppDaily. Our experts will go through your product and if it qualifies, it might become a part of one of our reports on top apps like this report on the most popular apps. You can also sign up for our newsletter to stay updated with the evolving IT industry.

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WRITTEN BY
Manish

Manish

Sr. Content Strategist

Meet Manish Chandra Srivastava, the Strategic Content Architect & Marketing Guru who turns brands into legends. Armed with a Marketer's Soul, Manish has dazzled giants like Collegedunia and Embibe before becoming a part of MobileAppDaily. His work is spotlighted on Hackernoon, Gamasutra, and Elearning Industry.

Beyond the writer’s block, Manish is often found distracted by movies, video games, AI, and other such nerdy stuff. But the point remains, If you need your brand to shine, Manish is who you need.

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