Google’s Gemini Gains Momentum on ChatGPT as AI Assistant Growth Shifts

• ChatGPT holds 50% of worldwide mobile downloads and 55% of monthly AI chatbot users globally.

• Gemini experiences faster growth in new downloads, monthly active users, and daily engagement time.

• From August to November 2025, Gemini’s monthly users rose 30%, while ChatGPT’s increased only 6%, per Sensor Tower statistics.

Explore the intensifying ChatGPT vs Gemini rivalry in 2025, where Google’s AI surges ahead in key metrics. Discover growth trends and implications for AI tools—stay informed on the future of chatbots today.

What is the current state of ChatGPT vs Gemini competition?

ChatGPT vs Gemini competition remains fierce in the AI chatbot arena, with OpenAI’s ChatGPT leading but facing mounting pressure from Google’s Gemini. Sensor Tower’s 2025 research reveals ChatGPT capturing half of global mobile downloads and 55% of monthly users, yet Gemini outpaces it in recent growth across downloads, user activation, and session times. This shift prompts strategic responses from OpenAI to sustain its edge.

How is Gemini gaining ground against ChatGPT in user engagement?

Google’s Gemini is rapidly closing the gap on ChatGPT through enhanced features and platform integration, as detailed in Sensor Tower’s analysis. Between August and November 2025, Gemini’s worldwide monthly users surged by 30%, fueled by the September launch of Nano Banana, an innovative image-generation tool that boosted daily usage to 11 minutes per user—a 120% increase since March. In contrast, ChatGPT’s monthly users grew just 6% in the same period, with daily engagement rising only 6% overall and dipping 10% from July to November. Experts note that Gemini’s native Android integration allows seamless access for twice as many U.S. users compared to standalone apps, potentially amplifying its reach in the dominant global mobile OS. Sensor Tower reports that across major AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, Perplexity, and Grok, Gemini gained three percentage points in monthly user share from May to November 2025, while ChatGPT lost an equivalent share during the later months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused OpenAI’s internal alert regarding ChatGPT’s performance?

In late 2025, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman issued a “code red” memo urging teams to enhance ChatGPT’s personalization, functionality, and image capabilities, responding to slowing growth metrics from Sensor Tower. This internal push aims to counter Gemini’s advances and maintain user retention amid the competitive AI landscape.

Which AI chatbots showed the strongest download growth in 2025?

Perplexity and Google’s Gemini led with 215% and 190% year-over-year download increases through November 2025, surpassing ChatGPT’s 85% rise, according to Sensor Tower. These gains highlight emerging players challenging the market leader in mobile adoption for AI assistants.

Key Takeaways

• ChatGPT’s Market Lead Persists: Despite slower recent growth, it commands 55% of global monthly AI chatbot users and 50% of downloads as of November 2025.
• Gemini’s Acceleration: The tool’s 30% user growth and 120% engagement boost tie directly to features like Nano Banana, eroding ChatGPT’s share.
• Broader Competition Heats Up: Rivals like Perplexity (370% user growth) and Claude (190%) signal a diversifying AI ecosystem—monitor updates for investment opportunities.

Conclusion

The ChatGPT vs Gemini competition in 2025 underscores a dynamic AI sector where Google’s Gemini user engagement gains challenge OpenAI’s stronghold, backed by Sensor Tower insights and internal responses from leaders like Sam Altman. As Android integration and innovative tools like Nano Banana propel Gemini forward, the landscape favors adaptive players. Investors and users should watch for OpenAI’s countermeasures to shape the evolving AI chatbot market, promising further advancements in personalized AI experiences.