New Delhi, Aug 16: Individual users worldwide are not just chatting with ChatGPT; they are part of a financial phenomenon that has earned the AI application $2 billion through its mobile app on iOS and Android platforms. Since its inception in May 2023, the app has rapidly engaged users and wallets alike, boasting a 673% growth in revenue by 2025. According to The Assam Tribune, this makes ChatGPT a leader in AI app earnings.
Record-breaking Installs: A Global Phenomenon
In 2025, ChatGPT saw 318 million downloads, marking a 2.8 times increase compared to the same period last year. This remarkable feat has been largely driven by its popularity in India, which holds 13.7% of the app’s lifetime installs. Meanwhile, the United States follows closely with 10.3%, but American users dominate in revenue contribution, accounting for over 38% of global earnings.
Spending for Superior Features
Users are spending more, especially in the U.S., where the average spending per download is \(10. Those who invest in premium features, like the ChatGPT Plus subscription at \)20 per month, gain access to enhanced functionalities including advanced AI models like GPT‑5. This provides not only higher usage limits but also a more comprehensive interaction experience.
Dominating Rivals and Blocking Competitors
ChatGPT’s average lifetime revenue per install is \(2.91, overshadowing competitors like Anthropic's Claude at \)2.55 and Elon Musk’s Grok at a mere \(0.75. Microsoft’s Copilot app lags substantially behind with \)0.27. Analysts point to Grok’s underperformance stemming from a late mobile launch that limited its momentum in the fast-paced app economy.
Musk and the Fairness Debate
Elon Musk, founder of xAI, has voiced concerns over what he perceives as bias within Apple’s App Store in favor of ChatGPT. Musk suggests that favoritism has not only propelled ChatGPT to the top rankings but sidelined his apps, X and Grok. However, Apple counters these claims, asserting the neutrality of its algorithms and curated lists, which are guided by objective criteria and expert editorial curation.
A Bright Future with GPT-5
With GPT‑5’s introduction, all users can experience a new level of AI interaction, while Plus and Pro subscribers receive additional usage and access to GPT‑5 Pro’s extended reasoning capabilities. This ensures even more comprehensive and accurate answers, maintaining ChatGPT’s status as a preferred choice especially for those seeking depth in AI engagement.
In a world where technology and revenue growth walk hand-in-hand, ChatGPT stands as a testament to innovation, user engagement, and strategic market positioning. Its journey is a blueprint for aspiring applications in the AI domain.