ChatGPT’s mobile app has crossed a major financial milestone, generating more than $3 billion in consumer spending worldwide, according to new estimates from app analytics firm Appfigures.
The figure covers total spending on iOS and Android devices since the app first launched in May 2023. While ChatGPT was initially available only on Apple’s App Store, its later expansion to Android helped fuel rapid growth.
Most of the money has come in 2025 alone. Appfigures estimates that users spent about $2.48 billion this year, a massive jump from the $487 million recorded in 2024. In its first year on the market, ChatGPT earned just $42.9 million, showing how dramatically consumer interest has accelerated.
Compared with other major apps, ChatGPT reached the $3 billion mark at record speed. It took 31 months to hit that level, while TikTok — the highest-earning app globally — needed 58 months. Popular streaming platforms such as Disney+ and HBO Max also took longer to reach the same revenue milestone.
The spending surge is largely driven by paid subscriptions, including ChatGPT Plus at $20 per month and the higher-tier ChatGPT Pro, which costs $200 per month and targets advanced users. These subscriptions give customers access to more powerful features and newer AI models.
Other AI apps are also seeing growth, but few are keeping pace. Elon Musk-owned xAI’s chatbot, Grok, comes closest, showing a similar revenue curve once it began charging users. Still, ChatGPT remains far ahead of most competitors in overall consumer spending.
Looking ahead, subscriptions may not be ChatGPT’s only source of income. OpenAI is exploring additional revenue streams, including developer tools, possible advertising features, and a newly launched in-app marketplace that could be monetized in the future.
As AI tools continue to move into everyday use, ChatGPT’s rapid rise shows that consumers are increasingly willing to pay for advanced artificial intelligence — and in large numbers.
