ChatGPT has reached a new milestone, with global consumer spending on its mobile app hitting $3 billion since its launch in May 2023, according to data from app intelligence firm Appfigures. The figure includes all spending on both iOS and Android devices, with the app initially launching exclusively on Apple’s platform before expanding to Android. The majority of this spending has occurred in 2025, with an estimated $2.48 billion generated in the first five months of the year—marking a 408% year-over-year increase from the $487 million spent in 2024. In its first year, the app earned $42.9 million, a 1,036% jump from that initial figure. This rapid growth highlights a significant shift in consumer behavior, as ChatGPT has outpaced many other major apps in terms of revenue accumulation. It took the AI chatbot just 31 months to reach $3 billion in spending, significantly faster than TikTok, which took 58 months, or Disney+ and HBO Max, which each hit the milestone in 42 and 46 months, respectively. Grok, the AI app developed by xAI and integrated into the X platform, is following a similar revenue trajectory. Launched in late 2023 for X Premium Plus subscribers, Grok became more widely available in 2024. When measured from the point of monetization, Grok has come closest to matching ChatGPT’s spending growth, according to Appfigures’ analysis. The $3 billion in spending reflects strong consumer demand for premium AI features. Users are purchasing subscriptions such as ChatGPT Plus at $20 per month and the higher-tier ChatGPT Pro, priced at $200 monthly, which offers advanced capabilities. The app has also recently launched a new in-app ecosystem, often described as an app store, which the company says will be monetized in the future. While subscription revenue is a key driver, AI apps are exploring additional monetization models. Google, for instance, is testing the integration of ads into its AI-powered search features, including AI Mode, AI Overviews, AI shopping, and the AI-enhanced Discover page. This could mark a major shift in how the company’s long-standing search ad business evolves. Meanwhile, Anthropic is focusing on the enterprise market and is reportedly on track to generate $70 billion in revenue by 2028, underscoring the growing commercial potential of AI across different sectors.