Kathmandu-Google Play Store is not just an app store for Android users; it has become an essential part of the digital world. The apps available on the Play Store make smartphones, tablets, and even Chromebooks more efficient, fun, and productive. Whether you’re looking for entertainment or tools to enhance productivity, the Play Store offers countless options.

Reaching 1 billion downloads is a huge milestone for any app, but some apps have gone far beyond that, crossing the rare milestone of 10 billion downloads. These apps have gained massive global trust and influence in the digital space.

Here are the top 12 apps that have surpassed 10 billion downloads:

12) Google Maps

Google Maps was launched by Google LLC on September 23, 2008. It is one of the most reliable navigation apps, pre-installed on almost every Android device. The app helps users find nearby restaurants, remember parking spots, and even get emergency shelter directions while traveling.

11) Google

Google LLC launched this app on August 12, 2010. Also known as Google Search, this app is an essential tool that helps users browse the web, search for information, find images, and access news. It also includes modern features like AI and Google Lens. Like many Google apps, it comes pre-installed on Android devices.

10) Speech Recognition & Synthesis

Launched on October 10, 2013, by Google LLC, this app uses text-to-speech and speech-to-text technology. It reads aloud text from the screen and converts spoken words into text. The app works with Google Maps, Google Translate, Google Play Books, and other third-party apps. It also includes a voice search function.

9) YouTube

YouTube is another app that has crossed 10 billion downloads. Acquired by Google in 2006 for $1.65 billion, YouTube has more than 2.5 billion monthly active users. By April 2024, it had become the world’s second most popular social media platform. The app allows users to watch and upload videos for free. It was released on the Play Store on October 20, 2010, and comes pre-installed on most Android devices.

8) Gmail

Gmail is a widely used email service, launched on the Play Store by Google LLC on September 21, 2010. It is popular for its spam filtering feature and 15GB of free storage. While Gmail is primarily used for email, it is also essential for accessing other Google services.

7) Google Photos

Google Photos is more than just a photo and video gallery—it also includes powerful photo editing tools. Launched on May 28, 2015, by Google LLC, the app uses AI to help users find photos easily.

6) Android Switch

When users buy a new Android phone, they need to transfer data from their old device. Android Switch makes this process smooth and wireless. Released on July 21, 2021, it is pre-installed on most Android phones. It works similarly to Samsung Smart Switch, allowing easy data transfer without cables.

5) Google Drive

Google Drive is a cloud storage and file-sharing platform that allows users to back up and transfer files across multiple devices. Released on April 27, 2021, it syncs with Google accounts and is especially useful for Chromebook users. It also makes it easy to share files through Google Docs and Google Sheets.

4) Facebook

Facebook remains the most widely used social media platform. Since its launch in 2009, it has continued to grow, reaching 3 billion monthly active users by July 2024. Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook Inc.) launched the Android version in September 2009.

3) Android Accessibility Suite

This app, developed by Google, includes features like TalkBack, Select-to-Speak, and an accessibility menu for easy navigation. It helps users control brightness, volume, and power functions with special buttons and settings. It is built into the Accessibility section of Android settings.

2) Google Chrome

Google Chrome is the most widely used web browser on Android devices. Launched on February 7, 2012, it competes with browsers like Samsung Internet, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox. Despite this competition, it remains the top choice for mobile browsing.

1) Gboard

Gboard is the default keyboard for many Android users. Since its release in 2013, it has introduced features like offline voice typing, Google Translate integration, emojis, GIFs, stickers, and Emoji Kitchen. It is the latest app to cross the 10 billion download mark.

Final Thoughts

Reaching 10 billion downloads is a massive achievement for any app. While some popular apps like Instagram and Google Calendar (which have 5 billion downloads) are getting closer to this milestone, they haven’t reached it yet. Meanwhile, apps like TikTok have surpassed 1 billion downloads, continuing to grow in popularity.