- Apple and Google snubbed red-hot ChatGPT, picking niche apps AllTrails and Imprint as their top 2023 apps.
- The surprise omission overlooks ChatGPT’s record runaway adoption since launch.
- However, both companies agreed on roleplaying game Honkai: Star Rail as their Game of the Year.
Summary
Top 2023 Apps of Apple and Google
Apple and Google announced their top apps of 2023 today, with hiking app AllTrails winning iPhone App of the Year and educational app Imprint taking the crown for best Google Play app.
Surprisingly, neither platform chose to recognize ChatGPT or any AI application despite the breakout success of conversational AI.
Both companies agreed on one gaming winner, selecting Honkai: Star Rail as their Game of the Year across iOS and Android devices.
Apple’s 2023 Awards Break Expectations
The annual “Best of” awards highlight innovators in the app ecosystem.
But this year, Apple went against trends by awarding AllTrails – an established hiking companion – rather than a viral sensation like last year’s social media pick BeReal.
Google Play similarly snubbed red-hot ChatGPT, which became the fastest consumer app to hit 100 million users earlier this year.
The omission is particularly glaring given that multiple AI apps now boast millions in revenue.
Industry observers note that ChatGPT’s record was later bested by Instagram Threads, which gained 100 million sign-ups within five days of launch.
AI Apps Snubbed at 2023 Awards
However, Threads has since dropped to under 100 million monthly active users, while ChatGPT’s figure includes web and mobile.
The snub of AI apps from Apple and Google’s awards is a surprise. ChatGPT saw runaway adoption right out the gate and has defined much of the app discourse this year.
But for 2023’s “App of the Year” honours, the tech giants decided to shine the spotlight elsewhere – on an outdoor app bringing people back to nature and an education app reimagining visual learning.
AI will likely have to wait its turn for an app store trophy.
