ChatGPT Mobile App Experiences Decline in Download Growth and User Engagement

Since its launch in May 2023, OpenAI’s ChatGPT mobile application has experienced remarkable growth, amassing over 110 million downloads across iOS and Android platforms. In March 2025, the app achieved a significant milestone by becoming the most downloaded non-gaming app globally, surpassing established platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This surge was largely attributed to innovative feature enhancements, including advanced image-generation capabilities that resonated with a broad user base.

However, recent analyses indicate a deceleration in the app’s growth trajectory. Data from Apptopia reveals that after April 2025, the percentage increase in new global downloads began to taper off. By October 2025, projections suggest an 8.1% month-over-month decline in global downloads. While the app continues to secure millions of new installs daily, the slowing growth rate suggests a maturation in its adoption curve.

User engagement metrics further underscore this trend. In the United States, average time spent per daily active user (DAU) has decreased by 22.5% since July 2025, with average sessions per DAU declining by 20.7% in the same period. This indicates that users are not only spending less time on the app but are also accessing it less frequently each day. Notably, user churn rates have stabilized, suggesting that while the influx of new users has diminished, the app retains a core group of dedicated users.

Several factors may contribute to this shift. The competitive landscape has intensified with the emergence of alternatives like Google’s Gemini, which gained significant traction following the release of its new AI image model, Nano Banana, in September 2025. Additionally, updates to ChatGPT’s AI model aimed at reducing sycophantic responses may have influenced user interactions and satisfaction.

Despite these challenges, ChatGPT’s financial performance remains robust. By August 2025, the app had generated over $2 billion in global consumer spending, significantly outpacing competitors such as Grok, which reported $25.6 million in revenue during the same period. This financial success underscores the app’s substantial market presence and user willingness to invest in its capabilities.

In summary, while ChatGPT’s mobile app continues to attract a substantial user base and generate significant revenue, the recent slowdown in download growth and user engagement suggests a transition from rapid expansion to a more stabilized usage pattern. This evolution reflects the app’s integration into users’ daily routines and the dynamic nature of the AI-driven application market.