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2023 was a massive year for mobile apps, with millions of people turning to digital tools for socialising, shopping, studying and entertainment. With more than 1.8 million apps currently on the App Store alone, cutting through the noise can be overwhelming - so we’ve rounded up ten of the most popular and most-used apps of the year.
The quick verdict
WhatsApp was the most popular app of 2023, with 88% of UK users choosing it as their go-to messaging platform. Temu, TikTok, Zoom and Monopoly Go completed the top five, while Trainline, CapCut, Pinterest, Just Eat and ChatGPT rounded out the ten. Together they show how much we rely on apps for chatting, shopping, travel and entertainment.
Most popular apps of 2023 at a glance
| Rank | App | Stand-out stat |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 88% of UK users choose it for messaging | |
| 2 | Temu | Over 7 million UK downloads in six months |
| 3 | TikTok | Used by nearly a third of the UK |
| 4 | Zoom | Over 810 million users by April 2023 |
| 5 | Monopoly Go | Top five free games in 100+ countries |
| 6 | Trainline | Over 96 million active monthly users |
| 10 | ChatGPT | Over 180 million users |
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For more app inspiration, take a look at our Top Digital Learning Apps for Students guide.
Round-Up of the Best Apps of 2023
| Rank | App |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | Temu |
| 3 | TikTok |
| 4 | Zoom |
| 5 | Monopoly Go |
| 6 | Trainline |
| 7 | CapCut |
| 8 | |
| 9 | Just Eat |
| 10 | ChatGPT |
What Is the Most Popular App of 2023?
1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp remains the UK’s most-used communication app. Launched in 2009, it now powers conversations for millions, with 88% of UK users choosing it as their go-to messaging platform. In Q3 2023 alone, WhatsApp saw 1.8 million UK downloads - hardly surprising when almost everyone in the country uses it daily.
2. Temu
Temu exploded in popularity after launching in the UK in April 2023. In just six months, it was downloaded over 7 million times, making it the country’s most-downloaded shopping app. Its low prices and massive product range have helped it dominate quickly.
3. TikTok
TikTok continues to sit near the top of global download charts. What began as Musical.ly evolved into a worldwide phenomenon, with more than 670 million global downloads in 2022 and nearly a third of the UK population using it in 2023.
If you're a TikTok fan, don't miss our Biggest iPhone Hacks According to TikTok blog.
4. Zoom
Originally released in 2013, Zoom exploded during the pandemic and has remained essential for remote working. By April 2023, over 810 million people globally were using the platform for meetings, classes and virtual events.
5. Monopoly Go
Released in April 2023, Monopoly Go quickly became one of the world’s biggest mobile game launches. It ranks in the top five free game charts in more than 100 countries and continues to grow thanks to its addictive gameplay and regular in-app events.
6. Trainline
Trainline has evolved dramatically since its early days as a phone-based service in 1997. Today, it boasts over 96 million active monthly users and helps travellers across the UK find cheaper, smarter travel options. Its clear breakdowns of savings and routes make it a favourite for commuters.
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7. CapCut
With TikTok’s rise came CapCut - the video editing app designed to help creators produce polished content quickly. Released in 2020, it gained more than 200 million users by early 2023. Over half of CapCut’s European user base is now in the UK.
8. Pinterest
Pinterest remains one of the UK’s favourite platforms for ideas, inspiration and visual discovery. With nearly 9 million UK users, it’s the perfect place for mood boards, home décor ideas, travel planning and more.
If you want the best mobile cameras for capturing Pinterest-worthy shots, check out:
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
For more top-rated camera options, explore our Top 10 Rated Camera Phones.
9. Just Eat
Just Eat continues to dominate UK food delivery, with more than 65 million users worldwide - most of them based here in the UK. From local takeaways to big-name chains, it remains the go-to platform for quick and convenient meals.
10. ChatGPT
ChatGPT officially launched its mobile app in May 2023 and quickly gained momentum. With over 180 million users and more than 10 billion total visits worldwide, it’s reshaping how people learn, research and communicate - all through AI-powered conversations.
Whether you use apps for productivity, entertainment, travel or socialising, these ten stood out as the most-downloaded and most-loved apps of 2023. And if you want a better device to run them smoothly, explore our refurbished smartphone range for powerful models at lower prices.
Frequently asked questions
What was the most popular app in 2023?
WhatsApp was the most popular app of 2023 and remains the UK's most-used communication app. 88% of UK users choose WhatsApp as their go-to messaging platform, and it saw 1.8 million UK downloads in Q3 2023 alone.
How popular was Temu in the UK in 2023?
Temu launched in the UK in April 2023 and was downloaded over 7 million times in just six months, making it the country's most-downloaded shopping app thanks to its low prices and huge product range.
How many people use TikTok in the UK?
Nearly a third of the UK population used TikTok in 2023. Globally, TikTok had more than 670 million downloads in 2022, having begun life as Musical.ly.
When did the ChatGPT app launch?
ChatGPT officially launched its mobile app in May 2023. It quickly gained momentum, with over 180 million users and more than 10 billion total visits worldwide.
What is CapCut?
CapCut is a video editing app designed to help creators produce polished content quickly. Released in 2020, CapCut gained more than 200 million users by early 2023, and over half of its European user base is in the UK.
