OpenAI’s ChatGPT has firmly established itself as a leading player in the AI landscape, accessible on both desktop and mobile platforms. However, recent insights from Apptopia indicate a notable shift in the app’s growth trajectory.
ChatGPT app growth is slowing down
The data reveals that while ChatGPT experienced a steady increase in user engagement over the past year, this momentum appears to have waned. Specifically, around late August and early September, a decline in daily active users became evident. Though ChatGPT is not facing a downturn, its growth seems to have reached a plateau.
A closer examination of the report shows that the average time users spend in the app has decreased by 22.5% since July, accompanied by a 20.7% drop in average sessions. This trend suggests that users are not only engaging less frequently but are also dedicating less time to the app during each visit.
So, what gives?
While OpenAI has yet to respond to inquiries from TechCrunch regarding these findings, several factors could be at play. Firstly, competitors such as Anthropic and Google are actively releasing newer, more advanced models, potentially drawing users away from ChatGPT in favor of alternatives like Claude and Gemini.
Another consideration is OpenAI’s own actions. The launch of the GPT-5 model in August, touted as the company’s most advanced offering, did not resonate well with many existing ChatGPT users. This dissatisfaction prompted OpenAI to reintroduce older models in an attempt to appease its user base, although the effects of this move may have already impacted user retention.
Additionally, Apptopia suggests that the initial phase of experimentation with ChatGPT may have concluded. Users who downloaded the app out of curiosity might have exhausted their novelty factor, leaving behind a core group of users who integrate the app into their daily routines.
This shift is not inherently negative; however, it underscores the intense competition within the AI sector, where OpenAI must continually engage and attract new users. In response to these challenges, the company has announced several changes, including the introduction of capabilities for ChatGPT to generate “adult” content, which could potentially attract a new wave of users.
