In just the first half of 2025, generative AI applications underwent a significant change. User downloads exploded all the way up to a mind-boggling 1.7 billion. This staggering growth is a demonstration of a strong market demand for AI-powered technologies. According to Sensor Tower, downloads skyrocketed to unprecedented levels. It was during this period that in-app revenue doubled at an amazing 100% pace to $1.87 billion. The response from users has been overwhelming – a seismic change in how people are using AI for the first time. Increasingly, real people rely on these services for both jobs and recreational pursuits.
Users spent an astounding 15.6 billion hours on generative AI apps. All of this activity combined created a mind-blowing 426 billion logged sessions. Such a level of interaction certainly highlights the increasing role that AI is playing in our everyday lives. AI in app descriptions on the App Store and Play Store. This recent increase is a clear indication of eCommerce’s increasing significance in the overall digital marketplace.
Changing Usage Patterns
ChatGPT, arguably the most popular generative AI app today, achieved some of the most impressive user engagement metrics ever seen in H1 2025. Average daily usage has been cited as 16 minutes, which indicates that users are starting to weave ChatGPT into their everyday lives. Workers are turning to ChatGPT to be more productive on the job. They are using it to fund pet projects and boondoggles. According to Sensor Tower, ChatGPT’s usage spiked over the weekend. That’s an indication that more people are using the platform after normal business hours.
Furthermore, more than a third of prompts made on ChatGPT during Q2 2025 were related to lifestyle and entertainment topics. This latest trend reflects a larger change as everyday people are beginning to find out what ChatGPT can do for their own enrichment and entertainment. ChatGPT is now the most popular app—mobile or web—among active users on Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android platforms. As a result, more than 15% of U.S. users are now looking at it through these mediums.
Competitive Landscape
To put ChatGPT’s engagement figures in a broader context—this is more monthly active users than TikTok (400 million) and Instagram (500 million) combined. Sensor Tower observed that users are already using ChatGPT as much as they use X and Reddit. For the leading search engine and browser, average daily use topped 18.2 minutes. This staggering statistic speaks to the cutthroat competition between different AI applications to capture user engagement.
This competitive landscape is especially pronounced with the explosive growth of generative AI apps across the board. Asia continued to be the largest and fastest-growing market for these applications, responsible for 42.6% of downloads in H1 2025. Conversely, the Middle East experienced a mammoth download growth rate of 80%. This recent boom reflects a burgeoning demand for AI-powered solutions by Asian consumers.
Implications for Developers and Marketers
The surge in downloads and revenue creates huge openings for developers and marketers alike in the generative AI space. Users are ready to fully engage with AI solutions in virtually all facets of their lives. In turn, businesses need to adjust their business models to meet these evolving consumer expectations. With all of the time people are now spending on these apps, there’s a need for ongoing innovation and quality enhancements to meet expectations.
“AI” is the new buzzword, slick marketing term that’s taking over app store descriptions. Lifestyle & Entertainment Developers should incorporate high-tech amenities to help foster lifestyle and entertainment options. By understanding user behavior and preferences, developers can create tailored experiences that resonate with their audience.