Fresh usage data points to major changes in the global AI chatbot market, with Google’s Gemini gaining momentum while OpenAI’s ChatGPT shows slower growth. Market research figures indicate that ChatGPT still leads in overall reach, but Gemini is expanding at a much faster pace in mobile downloads, active users and time spent inside the app. These trends come shortly after a reported internal alert in which OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called for urgent upgrades following the launch of Gemini 3.
In the latest findings from a market research firm, ChatGPT holds about 50 percent of global mobile downloads and 55 percent of global monthly active users. Its worldwide MAUs rose by only about 6 percent between August and November 2025, reaching nearly 810 million users. During the same period, Gemini’s user base increased by 30 percent as interest in its AI image generation model called Nano Banana grew. Analysts say this rising engagement shows that Google is steadily closing the gap with OpenAI.
Google’s strong distribution ecosystem is a major driver of Gemini’s growth. With Gemini 3 integrated directly into the company’s widely used web browser and search engine, the model gains instant access to a massive audience. According to the market research data, users in the United States are twice as likely to use Gemini through Google’s Android operating system than through a separate app. This advantage is even larger in countries like India where Android dominates the smartphone market.
OpenAI is reportedly shifting its focus to developing a new model, internally known as Garlic, which aims to outperform Gemini 3 in more advanced reasoning and coding tasks. At the same time, the company has delayed advertising plans in order to concentrate on product enhancements. In an internal memo, marked as a “code red”, Sam Altman instructed teams to improve personalisation, reliability, image generation and other core features. While ChatGPT’s early launch in 2022 gave OpenAI a strong start, Gemini’s rapid rise shows how quickly the AI competition is changing.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
