ChatGPT’s user growth is showing signs of slowing, according to new data from market intelligence firm Sensor Tower. While the OpenAI-owned AI chatbot remains the market leader, capturing 50% of global mobile app downloads and 55% of monthly active users, Google’s Gemini is gaining ground across key growth metrics. In the period from August to November 2025, ChatGPT’s global monthly active user base grew by just 6%, reaching approximately 810 million. This modest increase suggests the platform may be approaching market saturation, according to Sensor Tower. In contrast, Gemini’s monthly active users surged by around 30% during the same timeframe, driven in part by the successful launch of its new image generation model, Nano Banana. Gemini is also outpacing ChatGPT in other areas. The app has seen its average daily time spent per user more than double since March, rising to 11 minutes per day—a 120% increase. This growth is largely attributed to the popularity of Nano Banana, which has boosted engagement. Meanwhile, ChatGPT users saw only a 6% rise in daily time spent, with a notable 10% decline in November compared to July. On the download front, ChatGPT recorded an 85% year-over-year growth as of November, but this still lagged behind the overall cohort’s average of 110%. Gemini and Perplexity led the way, with download growth of 190% and 215%, respectively. Market share dynamics are shifting as well. Over the past seven months (May–November 2025), Gemini increased its share of global monthly active users by three percentage points. At the same time, ChatGPT’s share declined by three percentage points over the last four months (August–November), signaling a growing competitive threat. The rise of other AI chatbots is also contributing to the pressure. Perplexity and Claude both saw triple-digit year-over-year growth in 2025, with Perplexity up 370% and Claude up 190%. These platforms are carving out niches, particularly in search-focused and reasoning-intensive AI applications. A notable advantage for Google lies in its integration with Android. Around twice as many U.S. Android users now engage with Gemini directly through the operating system compared to using the standalone Gemini app. This deeper integration gives Google a potential edge in markets where Android dominates, allowing broader reach without requiring users to download a separate app. Despite these challenges, ChatGPT still holds a strong lead in overall user numbers and engagement. However, the data suggests the AI race is far from settled. OpenAI’s recent “code red” memo, authored by CEO Sam Altman, reflects growing concern over the company’s pace of innovation. The memo urged teams to prioritize improvements in personalization, reliability, and image generation—areas where competitors are now making headway. While Gemini’s recent gains have been fueled largely by the success of Nano Banana, OpenAI could regain momentum with the launch of new, impactful products. The coming months will be critical in determining whether ChatGPT can maintain its dominance or if Google’s strategic integration and rapid adoption will close the gap.