Key facts
- ChatGPT's global market share fell below 50% for the first time, reaching 46% by May.
- Google Gemini holds 28% market share, and Anthropic's Claude has 10%.
- ChatGPT crossed 1 billion monthly users in May, becoming the fastest app to reach this milestone.
- Claude leads in user conversion to paid subscriptions, with 13% of its users subscribing.
- Grok users show a significantly higher propensity to be crypto traders compared to users of other AI assistants.
ChatGPT's once-dominant position in the AI assistant market is eroding, with its global market share falling below 50% for the first time. According to Sensor Tower's State of AI 2026 report, ChatGPT's share stood at 46% by the end of May, while Google's Gemini has captured 28% and Anthropic's Claude has reached 10%.
Despite the decline in market share, ChatGPT continues to grow its user base, crossing 1 billion monthly users in May. However, the rise of competitors is attributed to factors beyond raw capability, including distribution advantages and brand trust. Gemini's integration across Google's ecosystem, particularly Android, has been a significant driver of its growth. Claude has seen a substantial increase in its U.S. market share, partly influenced by its stance on safeguards and partnerships.
A notable detail from the report highlights Grok's user base, which is four times more likely than the general population to be crypto traders, a skew not seen with other assistants. This is linked to Grok's integration within X, its access to real-time sentiment, and Elon Musk's personal enthusiasm for crypto.
Revenue figures also reflect the shifting landscape, with Claude's average revenue per U.S. mobile user surpassing ChatGPT's, and Claude boasting the highest conversion rate to paid subscriptions at 13%. OpenAI is reportedly preparing for an IPO amidst these competitive pressures.
