New report reveals significant boost in downloads for apps leveraging image model releases
A recent report from app intelligence provider Appfigures has highlighted a significant shift in the way AI-powered mobile apps grow and evolve. The study found that the release of new image models is driving growth for these apps, with a notable 6.5x increase in downloads compared to traditional model updates.
This trend is evident across various apps, including Google’s Gemini and ChatGPT, which both saw significant boosts in downloads after releasing their respective image models. For instance, the release of Gemini’s Nano Banana image model led to an additional 22+ million downloads in the 28 days following its introdu…
However, it’s worth noting that while these releases generate increased attention and downloads, not all apps are able to convert this into significant revenue. The report highlights that only ChatGPT was able to turn the increased attention into actual dollars, with an estimated $…
This phenomenon is not unique to these two apps, as other model releases have followed similar trends, although on a smaller scale. Meta AI’s introduction of its AI video feed Vibes added an estimated 2.6 million incremental downloads in the 28 days after its September 2025 release.
What matters
- Apps with new image models see a 6.5x increase in downloads compared to traditional model updates
- Notable examples include Google’s Gemini and ChatGPT, which added tens of millions of new downloads after releasing t…
- Despite increased attention, not all apps generate significant revenue from these releases
Why it matters
Despite increased attention, not all apps generate significant revenue from these releases
This GenAI News article was prepared in original wording using reporting and materials published by TechCrunch AI. Source reference: https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/04/image-ai-models-now-drive-app-growth-beating-chatbot-upgrades/.
Drafted by the GenAI News review pipeline.