ChatGPT’s mobile app has officially surpassed $3 billion in global consumer spending, marking a major milestone for the AI-powered chatbot. Since its initial launch on iOS in May 2023, and later expansion to Android, the app has seen a rapid surge in popularity, fueled largely by paid subscription tiers like ChatGPT Plus and ChatGPT Pro.
The growth has been especially pronounced this year. In 2025 alone, users spent an estimated $2.48 billion on the app, a staggering 408% increase compared to $487 million in 2024. By comparison, the app’s first year of availability in 2023 saw just $42.9 million in spending, highlighting the accelerated adoption of AI tools among mobile users.
ChatGPT reached the $3 billion milestone faster than many of its tech peers. While TikTok took 58 months to achieve the same figure, ChatGPT did it in just 31 months. Even streaming giants like Disney+ and HBO Max took longer, hitting the $3 billion mark in 42 and 46 months, respectively, showcasing the extraordinary demand for AI-driven experiences.
Competition is also heating up. xAI’s Grok app, released in late 2023, has seen a revenue trajectory comparable to ChatGPT, with rapid consumer adoption shortly after it began monetizing. Other AI companies, including Google and Anthropic, are exploring new monetization models, from AI-powered ads to enterprise-focused solutions projected to generate billions in the coming years.
Beyond subscriptions, ChatGPT is expanding its monetization strategies. The company recently launched its own mini app store, signaling future revenue streams, while broader AI advertising and developer offerings could further enhance profitability. The $3 billion milestone underscores not just financial success, but a clear trend: AI apps are becoming a central part of daily mobile use worldwide.
source: techcrunch