Industry News | 6/7/2025
Google Gemini Surpasses ChatGPT in Android Downloads, But Engagement Remains Key
Google's Gemini AI assistant has overtaken ChatGPT in global Android app downloads, reflecting Google's strategic push within its Android ecosystem. Despite this growth, ChatGPT continues to lead in user engagement, highlighting the ongoing competition in the AI sector.
Google Gemini Overtakes ChatGPT in Android Downloads
Google's Gemini AI assistant has recently surpassed OpenAI's ChatGPT in global Android app downloads, marking a significant development in the competitive AI landscape. This shift, observed since late April 2025, highlights Google's strategic efforts to leverage its extensive Android ecosystem to promote Gemini.
Download Trends and User Engagement
Data from SimilarWeb indicates that while Gemini has experienced a surge in downloads, ChatGPT maintains a strong position in terms of user engagement and active user base. In April 2025, ChatGPT's Android downloads ranged between two and four million daily, peaking above four million early in the month. In contrast, Gemini's downloads were initially below one million daily but showed a sharp increase in May, surpassing ChatGPT's numbers by May 7th and reaching nearly seven million daily downloads later in the month.
Despite Gemini's download growth, ChatGPT's "Daily Stickiness" metric, which measures daily active users relative to monthly active users, remains significantly higher. In May 2025, ChatGPT's daily stickiness rose to 42.52%, whereas Gemini's was at 4.9%, indicating that while Gemini attracts new users, it struggles to retain them at the same rate as ChatGPT.
Factors Driving Gemini's Growth
Several factors contribute to Gemini's rapid rise in Android downloads. Google's ability to distribute through its Android operating system and Play Store provides a significant advantage. Additionally, Gemini's integration with Google services like Search, Gmail, and Photos offers a compelling proposition for users within the Google ecosystem.
Google has been actively enhancing Gemini, with versions like Gemini Nano, Pro, and Ultra catering to different user needs. Recent updates announced at Google I/O in May 2025, including improved coding abilities and multimodal capabilities, have likely fueled interest. Moreover, Google's expansion of Gemini's availability to more countries and languages, along with a free tier for Gemini 2.5 Pro, has broadened its potential user base.
Implications for the AI Industry
The competition between Google and OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, is expected to drive further innovation in AI. As AI models become more integrated into various applications, the focus will be on multimodal capabilities and seamless integration into user workflows. The AI app market is rapidly expanding, with differentiation and sustained user engagement being crucial for long-term success.
Ethical considerations, data privacy, and the accuracy of AI-generated information will also play a critical role in shaping user trust and adoption. While Gemini's download numbers are impressive, the challenge remains in retaining users and encouraging daily engagement, areas where ChatGPT currently excels.
Conclusion
Google Gemini's recent success in surpassing ChatGPT in Android downloads is a notable milestone in the AI race. However, the ongoing competition underscores the importance of not only attracting users but also retaining them through valuable and engaging experiences. As the rivalry continues, advancements in AI are expected to lead to more sophisticated and integrated AI assistants, with the ultimate winners being those who can best demonstrate sustained utility and build lasting user habits.