Google's Gemini App Sees 10 Million New Users with Nano Banana Image Editing Feature

Google's Gemini app has seen over 10 million new users with the release of Nano Banana, a native image editing model that maintains character likeness and consistency. The model has been edited over 200 million times since its launch last Tuesday, driving app downloads and placing Gemini at #2 in the Productivity category of the App Store.

Gemini, the digital asset exchange co-founded by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, has recently partnered with Ripple to launch an XRP rewards credit card in collaboration with Mastercard. The card offers users up to 4% cashback in XRP on everyday purchases such as dining, fuel, and groceries. Launched on August 25, 2025, the product is part of Gemini’s broader strategy to integrate crypto into everyday financial tools and expand XRP’s utility beyond speculative trading. The card also includes a $200 XRP bonus for users who spend $3,000 within 90 days of opening the account, incentivizing higher usage and spending volume tied to XRP [1].

The card’s launch had an immediate impact on Gemini’s visibility in the digital asset space. Within 72 hours, the Gemini app overtook Coinbase in the US iOS App Store’s finance category rankings, jumping to 11th place compared to Coinbase’s 25th. Sensor Tower data showed that the app had over 90,000 downloads during that period. Tyler Winklevoss highlighted the milestone on social media, calling it “the flippening,” a reference to a hypothetical overtaking of Ethereum by Bitcoin in market capitalization. However, the ranking shift does not reflect a broader market share gain, as Coinbase continues to lead in daily trading volume [1].

The XRP Mastercard is also integrated with Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, which has a market cap of approximately $485 million. This integration allows for seamless conversions between XRP and fiat currency, reducing transaction friction and potentially boosting liquidity on Gemini’s platform. Additionally, the card benefits from a $75 million credit line provided by Ripple (expandable to $150 million), which supports Gemini’s IPO and enhances its financial flexibility. This credit facility may be used for market-making or staking initiatives, further stabilizing XRP’s trading volume [1].

The product also aligns with broader regulatory shifts in the crypto industry. The newly enacted GENIUS Act of 2025 mandates that stablecoins be backed by reserves, a policy that favors platforms like Gemini that emphasize regulatory compliance. The RLUSD integration may attract risk-averse retail users who seek more transparent and stable crypto options. Gemini’s 2025 Global State of Crypto report indicates that a significant portion of new crypto users in the US and France—31% and 67%, respectively—are drawn to memecoins, which could drive cross-trading activity for XRP and other assets [1].

Analysts suggest that the XRP card could lead to a 10-20% increase in XRP trading volume on Gemini over the next 3-6 months, assuming steady adoption and stable pricing. However, XRP’s historical volatility remains a potential barrier to sustained liquidity growth. Users may hold their cashback rewards rather than trade them, reducing order book depth. Additionally, potential tax implications for reward-based transactions could further deter trading. Despite these challenges, Gemini’s focus on retail incentives and its expanding user base—75.6 million app downloads and 825 million web visits in Q1 2025—positions it to capture a growing share of retail-driven liquidity, particularly for XRP and stablecoin pairs [1].

References:
[1] Gemini partners with Ripple to launch an XRP credit card. (https://coincentral.com/gemini-partners-with-ripple-to-launch-an-xrp-credit-card-dot-miners-help-you-earn-2700-xrp-daily/)
[2] Gemini's App Store Overtake of Coinbase, Fueled By XRP ... (https://www.tekedia.com/geminis-app-store-overtake-of-coinbase-fueled-by-xrp-card-enhances-xrp-liquidity/?srsltid=AfmBOop23qEHSPBaDE-0oZtB3XcwLlqnO3-4sFRxEKm5rNTkh2EzAqoG)