In a surprising shift, Google Gemini has overtaken OpenAI’s ChatGPT to become the top-ranked app on Apple’s App Store, driven by the viral Nano-Banana trend. When checked, the App Store “Top Apps” list showed Gemini in first place, followed by Threads, while ChatGPT slipped to third.
What is the Nano-Banana Trend?
Nano-Banana is an AI-powered image editing tool in Google Gemini that transforms user photos into hyper-polished 3D figurine-style portraits. These mini toy-like collectibles often appear on acrylic bases or even toy packaging, with remarkable attention to detail. Gemini’s tool preserves facial features, pets, and accessories, while also allowing edits like background changes, clothing tweaks, or merging multiple photos seamlessly.
ChatGPT’s Ghibli Trend vs Gemini’s Nano-Banana
While ChatGPT gained massive popularity earlier with its Ghibli-style image generator, which turned photos into dreamy, anime-inspired illustrations, Gemini’s Nano-Banana leans more toward realism and commercial aesthetics. Where ChatGPT’s Ghibli output feels nostalgic and artistic, Gemini’s figurines mimic collectible toys, appealing to pop culture and fan merchandise enthusiasts.
Politicians and Celebrities Join the Craze
The craze is no longer limited to influencers or digital creators. Public figures, including Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Goa CM Pramod Sawant, shared their Nano-Banana 3D avatars on X, further fueling the trend’s popularity. The feature is completely free for all users, making it even more accessible compared to other premium AI image tools.
How to Create a Nano-Banana Figurine
- Open the Google Gemini app or AI Studio.
- Upload the photo you want to convert.
- Enter the exact Nano-Banana 3D prompt provided by Google.
- Hit Generate and wait for the figurine image.
- Review and tweak prompts if needed for better results.
The Bigger Picture
AI-powered image editing has become a key battleground between tech giants. From Ghibli-style nostalgia to hyper-realistic figurines, these tools are reshaping digital expression. With Gemini topping the App Store, Google seems to have struck a viral nerve—at least for now.
