image ai models are now driving app growth, generating 6.5 times more downloads than traditional chatbot updates. a report from app intelligence provider appfigures shows that the release of image models like google's gemini and chatgpt's models led to millions of additional downloads within weeks of their launch. for example, gemini's nano banana model added over 22 million downloads, while chatgpt's gpt-4o model saw more than 12 million incremental installs after its release.
for indie developers, this trend suggests that integrating image generation capabilities into apps could enhance user acquisition. the significant spikes in downloads indicate that users are eager to try new features related to visual content. however, it's important to note that increased downloads do not always translate into higher revenue. for instance, gemini's model generated only $181,000 in gross consumer spending despite its download success.
while the initial interest in image models can boost downloads, developers should focus on converting those users into paying customers. chatgpt was the only model among those analyzed that effectively turned increased attention into revenue, with an estimated $70 million in spending following its image model launch. indie devs should consider how to leverage new image features to enhance monetization strategies as they develop their apps.