ChatGPT downloads are slowing — and may cause problems for OpenAI’s IPO
Uninstalls spiked 413% after Pentagon deal, while rival Claude grows 11x faster.
According to Sensor Tower data, ChatGPT experienced a 132% increase in uninstalls year-over-year in April, with an even steeper 413% spike in March following OpenAI's February deal with the Pentagon. While ChatGPT still holds a substantially larger user base than rivals, its growth rate has halved—monthly active users grew 168% in January but only 78% in April.
Meanwhile, Claude has surged with an 11x increase in downloads over the same period, compared to ChatGPT's 14% year-over-year growth. This slowdown comes as OpenAI eyes an IPO, with CFO Sarah Friar reportedly concerned about missing internal targets for new users and revenue. The Wall Street Journal noted worries that OpenAI may not be able to pay for future computing contracts if revenue growth doesn't accelerate.
- ChatGPT uninstalls up 413% year-over-year in March after Pentagon deal
- Monthly active user growth dropped from 168% in January to 78% in April
- Claude saw an 11x increase in downloads while ChatGPT grew just 14% year-over-year
Why It Matters
Slowing growth and rising competition threaten OpenAI's IPO valuation and ability to fund massive compute contracts.