Temu crowned the UK’s most downloaded iPhone App of 2024 – Do you have it on yours?
Temu, a Chinese shopping app known for its direct-from-factory model, has claimed the title of the UK’s most downloaded iPhone app in 2024, according to newly released data from Apple’s App Store.
Outpacing household names like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter, Temu’s rapid ascent reflects a shift in consumer behaviour towards budget-friendly and convenient online shopping options. The app’s popularity isn’t limited to the UK—it is also the most downloaded app in 24 major global markets, including the United States, Germany, Spain, and South Korea. In highly competitive regions like Italy, France, and Japan, it ranks second.
Changing shopping habits
In the UK, Temu leads a competitive field of apps, with Shein coming in second, followed by Meta’s Threads, Vinted, ChatGPT, and TikTok. Other notable mentions in the UK’s top apps include Tesco, Google, Microsoft Authenticator, Telegram, Uber, YouTube, and Gmail.
Temu’s success highlights the growing demand for affordability and convenience in the digital marketplace. Its direct-from-factory business model allows consumers to purchase products at lower prices, a significant draw amid the rising cost of living.
Controversy surrounding temu
However, Temu’s meteoric rise hasn’t been without controversy. A 2024 survey revealed that 94% of respondents expressed distrust towards the app, with concerns ranging from data security to customer service. The company has faced accusations of mishandling user data, raising red flags for privacy-conscious consumers. Despite these challenges, the app continues to dominate download charts, demonstrating the enduring appeal of cost-effective shopping.
Paid apps and privacy tools
In the realm of paid apps, privacy and utility were key trends in 2024. Shadowrocket, a proxy utility tool, emerged as the most downloaded paid-for app in the UK, reflecting a growing interest in privacy-focused technology as users navigate an increasingly digital world.
Streaming and social media trends
On iPads, streaming platforms held the top spots, with YouTube, Netflix, TikTok, and Disney Plus dominating downloads. Meanwhile, social media apps like Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp continued to lead among iPhone users, showcasing their enduring popularity across age groups and demographics.
Gaming trends in 2024
The gaming charts for 2024 revealed fascinating insights into consumer preferences. Among free iPhone games, Block Blast, a puzzle game reminiscent of Tetris, secured the top spot, followed by Monopoly Go, Roblox, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, and Township.
For paid iPhone games, Minecraft reigned supreme, with Heads Up and Geometry Dash close behind. On iPads, Minecraft and Geometry Dash retained their lead in the paid games category, with Five Nights at Freddy’s and Stardew Valley following suit.
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In the free games category for iPads, Roblox topped the chart, reinforcing its enduring appeal across multiple platforms and age groups.
Apple arcade highlights
Apple also revealed insights from its Apple Arcade subscription service, where games are optimised for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The basketball simulation NBA 2K24 Arcade Edition was the most downloaded game on the platform, followed by Snake.io+ and Hello Kitty Island Adventure.
What this means for 2024
Temu’s rise to the top of the charts underscores the evolving landscape of digital consumption, with affordability and convenience increasingly driving user behaviour. While its success highlights the potential for emerging apps to disrupt established markets, concerns around data security remain a reminder of the challenges posed by rapid technological adoption.
As consumer habits continue to shift, 2024 has proven to be a year where innovation, controversy, and competition have defined the digital ecosystem. Whether Temu’s popularity will endure amid ongoing scrutiny remains to be seen—but for now, it seems that UK users can’t get enough of the app.
