New image-generation features are driving a sharp rise in downloads for AI mobile apps, signaling a shift in user demand, according to a report by Appfigures.
The study found that releases of image models generate 6.5 times more downloads than traditional updates tied to conversational AI. Earlier growth often followed chatbot improvements or features such as voice interfaces. Now, visual capabilities appear to lead user interest.
Apps like ChatGPT and Gemini recorded tens of millions of new downloads after launching image-generation tools, the report said.
Gemini and ChatGPT lead download surge
For Gemini, the launch of its image model Nano Banana triggered a major spike. The app gained more than 22 million additional downloads in the 28 days after introducing the Gemini 2.5 Flash image model last August.
This increase pushed downloads to more than four times their usual level during that period.
ChatGPT also saw strong growth. The app added over 12 million incremental installs in the 28 days following the release of its GPT-4o image model in March last year.
Appfigures noted that this figure was about 4.5 times higher than the downloads generated by other model releases, including GPT-4o, GPT-4.5, and GPT-5 updates focused on text or general capabilities.
Other platforms followed similar trends, though at a smaller scale. Meta Platforms recorded about 2.6 million extra downloads after launching its AI video feature Vibes in September 2025.
Downloads rise, but revenue tells a different story
Despite the surge in installs, the report warned that higher downloads do not always translate into revenue growth.
Instead, image features often attract new users who want to test visual capabilities. Many do not convert into paying subscribers.
For example, Nano Banana generated only about $181,000 in estimated consumer spending in the 28 days after its release. This came despite a larger download spike than ChatGPT’s image model launch.
Meta’s Vibes feature also increased downloads but did not deliver meaningful revenue gains.
Among the apps analyzed, only ChatGPT turned user interest into significant income. Its GPT-4o image model generated an estimated $70 million in consumer spending during the same 28-day window.
The report suggests that monetization strategies remain uneven across the sector. Companies continue to experiment with pricing models and premium features.
Curiosity and innovation drive user behavior
Appfigures also examined DeepSeek R1, which drove 28 million downloads after its January 2025 release. However, the report said this case did not follow the same pattern.
DeepSeek gained attention as a breakthrough moment. It drew interest due to its low-cost training methods rather than image-generation features.
Analysts say curiosity remains a powerful driver of downloads in the AI space. Breakthrough innovations can quickly attract millions of users, even without strong monetization.
The findings highlight a broader trend. Visual AI tools are becoming a key battleground for user growth. Companies now focus on image and video capabilities to attract attention in an increasingly crowded market.
