ChatGPT Mobile App Growth Trends
New data from app intelligence firm Apptopia indicates that ChatGPT’s mobile app is experiencing a slowdown in growth. After peaking earlier this year, the percentage increase in new global downloads has tapered off since April 2025. While the app continues to attract millions of daily downloads, the rate of growth is decelerating. October is projected to see an 8.1% decline in month-over-month global download growth, signaling a shift from rapid expansion to market saturation.Decline in User Engagement Metrics
Alongside download trends, U.S.-specific engagement metrics reveal a notable drop in user activity. Since July, average time spent per daily active user (DAU) has decreased by 22.5%, while average sessions per DAU have fallen by 20.7%. This decline suggests that users are interacting less frequently and for shorter durations within the app. However, user churn has stabilized, indicating that the app retains a committed core audience rather than casual or transient users.Factors Influencing Growth and Engagement
Several factors may be contributing to this plateau. Increased competition from Google’s Gemini AI platform, which surged in popularity following the launch of its Nano Banana image model, is one. However, Apptopia notes that engagement declines began prior to Gemini’s rise. Additionally, updates to ChatGPT’s AI model aimed at reducing overly agreeable responses—implemented in April and continued with the August release of GPT-5—may have altered user experience, potentially affecting engagement.“The experimentation phase with ChatGPT appears to be over; users now engage with the app more as a utility than a novelty.” — Apptopia Analysis
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Outlook and Strategic Considerations for OpenAI
To reverse or stabilize these trends, OpenAI may need to increase marketing efforts or introduce new features to reinvigorate user interest and engagement. Reliance on novelty alone appears insufficient to sustain growth as the app matures. Sustained innovation and strategic positioning will be critical for maintaining ChatGPT’s relevance amid intensifying competition in the AI app market.FinOracleAI — Market View
ChatGPT’s mobile app is transitioning from rapid user acquisition to a phase of stabilized engagement and retention. While the large install base remains a strength, slowing download growth and reduced user activity signal the need for strategic adjustments.- Opportunities: Introducing new features and enhancing personalization could re-engage users and expand the app’s appeal.
- Risks: Intensifying competition from AI rivals like Google Gemini may erode market share if ChatGPT’s innovation pace falters.
- Market Dynamics: User behavior is shifting from novelty-driven exploration to habitual, need-based usage, requiring a shift in marketing and product strategy.
