It was coming: ChatGPT becomes the most downloaded app in the world

In March 2025, ChatGPT became the most downloaded app worldwide, reaching over 46 million downloads, surpassing Instagram, which had similar figures. This is the first time since 2013 that a service outside the realm of social media has taken the top spot in this category, highlighting a significant shift in app consumption dynamics.

Ghibli-style photos, the beginning of this rise?

According to the report from Appfigures, ChatGPT was the most downloaded app on iOS, accumulating 13 million downloads, while on Android it ranked third with 33 million. This phenomenon could indicate that iPhone users are seeking answers that they cannot find in Siri, reinforcing the integration of OpenAI’s model into Apple’s voice assistant.

The spectacular increase in downloads is due, in part, to the opening of new features that allow for image generation, resulting in an overwhelming demand that led the app to reach five million users in just one hour. However, OpenAI’s situation is complex: despite its success in downloads, the company faces difficulties in monetizing ChatGPT, as most users still use the free version, making the high operating costs unsustainable.

OpenAI has around 10 million paid subscribers, although this is still insufficient. The competition with more affordable alternatives, such as Google Gemini, along with the rising cost of operating artificial intelligence systems, poses an uncertain future for the long-term viability of ChatGPT. The race for monetization becomes crucial, and any move regarding the free offering could substantially affect demand. In this environment, OpenAI will need to find a delicate balance to ensure its financial sustainability.