The Linux application ecosystem reached a significant milestone in 2025 as Flathub, the leading distribution platform for Flatpak applications, recorded over 435 million downloads. This achievement underscores the growing acceptance of universal packaging formats and represents a major shift in how Linux users discover and install software.
The application catalog also continued to expand. By the end of 2025, Flathub hosted well over 2,800 apps, up from 2,803 total apps reported in 2024. This growth follows earlier jumps from 2,300 apps in 2023, 1,768 in 2022, 1,243 in 2021, and 914 in 2020.
Core web browsers and communication tools led the downloads list, with Firefox, Google Chrome, and Discord ranking as the most popular individual applications. Among the games, Sober Play, a Roblox client, topped the download list, while classic titles such as Minecraft and Space Cadet Pinball registered significant installations.RetroArch and Dolphin Emulator, the gaming emulators, continued to attract large user bases, while game-store frontends like the Steam Launcher and Heroic also ranked among the most downloaded categories.
What Is Flathub and Why Does This Matter?
Flathub serves as the primary repository for Flatpak applications, offering a centralized platform where users can browse, download, and update applications across different Linux distributions. Unlike traditional package managers tied to specific distributions, Flatpak provides a universal packaging format that works across Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and other Linux variants.The 435 million download milestone demonstrates several important trends in the Linux desktop space:
Simplified Software Distribution: Developers can now package their applications once and reach users across all major Linux distributions, eliminating the fragmentation that historically plagued Linux software availability.
Increased User Accessibility: Users benefit from a more app-store-like experience, making Linux more approachable for newcomers transitioning from Windows or macOS.
Security and Sandboxing: Flatpak’s containerized approach provides enhanced security through application sandboxing, addressing long-standing concerns about desktop Linux security.
Breaking Down the Numbers
While the exact breakdown of download statistics varies by application category, the 435 million figure represents all downloads across Flathub’s extensive catalog. This includes:
Productivity applications like LibreOffice and GIMP.
Development tools including VS Code and various IDEs.
Media applications such as VLC and OBS Studio.
Communication platforms like Discord and Slack.
Gaming-related software through Steam and Lutris.
The growth trajectory suggests that Flatpak has moved beyond early adopter status and is becoming the preferred installation method for many Linux users.
conclusion
Flathub’s achievement of 435 million downloads in 2025 represents more than just a number—it signals the maturation of Linux desktop software distribution. By addressing longstanding pain points around application packaging and distribution, Flatpak and Flathub are helping to make Linux more accessible while maintaining the security and flexibility that users expect.
