Government apps top the charts as most downloaded on iPhone in 2021

Tech giant Apple has released the list of the most downloaded apps for 2021 across iPhone and iPad, with a remarkable change at the top of the download charts when compared to previous years.

Normally a social media app or messaging app will not only top the chart but fill a large part of the top download list. 

However, thanks to the continuing global pandemic, the charts look a lot different this year.

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Federal and State Government apps take the top five spots on the charts for 2021. 

The national Express Plus Medicare app was the most downloaded free app on iPhone in 2021.

The app allows Australians to view their Medicare card, but most importantly also check their vaccination status and view their Digital Vaccination Certificate.

In second, third and fourth place were the state-based QR check-in apps from Queensland, NSW and Victoria

Queensland's app was developed later than the rest and mandated after other states, thus has had more downloads in 2021, with others peaking in 2020, while the Federal MyGovID app was the fifth most downloaded.

From there, it was back to "normal" with social media dominating - TikTok taking second place in the social media race behind Instagram.

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Most Downloaded Apps on the App Store in Australia for 2021

Top Free iPhone Apps

1. Express Plus Medicare 
2. Check In Qld
3. Service NSW
4. Service Victoria 
5. myGovID 
6. Instagram 
7. TikTok
8. YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream 
9. Snapchat
10. Facebook 

Top Paid iPhone Apps

1. WikiCamps Australia
2. The Wonder Weeks 
3. Monash University FODMAP diet 
4. TripView - Sydney & Melbourne 
5. Forest - Your Focus Motivation 
6. Procreate Pocket 
7. Rain Parrot 
8. TouchRetouch 
9. AutoSleep Track Sleep on Watch 
10. 75 Hard 

Top Free iPhone Games

1. Among Us!
2. Project Makeover 
3. Water Sort Puzzle 
4. Roblox
5. High Heels!
6. 8 Ball Pool™
7. Subway Surfers 
8. Count Masters: Crowd Runner 3D
9. Parking Jam 3D
10. Stacky Dash 

Top Paid iPhone Games 

1. Minecraft 
2. Bloons TD 6
3. Heads Up!
4. Plague Inc. 
5. Monopoly 
6. True Skate 
7. Geometry Dash 
8. Bloons TD 5 
9. Papa's Freezeria To Go!
10. My Child Lebensborn

Top Free iPad Apps 

1. ZOOM Cloud Meetings 
2. YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream 
3. Netflix
4. Disney+ 
5. Google Chrome 
6. Spotify New Music and Podcasts 
7. TikTok - - Videos, Music & LIVE
8. Microsoft Teams 
9. The Calculator 
10. 7plus 

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Top Paid iPad Apps 

1. Procreate 
2. GoodNotes 5
3. Notability 
4. Book Creator for iPad 
5. WikiCamps Australia 
6. Toca Life: Hospital 
7. Teach Your Monster to Read 
8. Toca Life: Neighborhood 
9. Popplet
10. Green Screen by Do Ink 

Top Free iPad Games 

1. Among Us!
2. Roblox
3. Phone Case DIY
4. Project Makeover 
5. Hair Challenge 
6. Magic Tiles 3: Piano Game 
7. Chat Master!
8. Bridge Race 
9. Tiles Hop - EDM Rush
10. DOP 2: Delete One Part 

Top Paid iPad Games 

1. Minecraft 
2. Bloons TD 6
3. Geometry Dash 
4. Plague Inc. 
5. Monopoly 
6. True Skate 
7. Terraria 
8. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas 
9. Stardew Valley 
10. Five Nights at Freddy's 

Top Arcade Games 

1. Sonic Racing 
2. NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition 
3. Cut the Rope Remastered
4. Skate City 
5. Sneaky Sasquatch 
6. Mini Motorways 
7. SpongeBob: Patty Pursuit 
8. PAC-MAN Party Royale 
9. Angry Birds Reloaded 
10. Hot Lava