ChatGPT growth slows as uninstalls rise ahead of OpenAI IPO plans

ChatGPT's user growth is slowing as uninstall rates rise and users migrate to rival chatbots, according to data from market intelligence firm Sensor Tower. The app experienced a 132 percent increase in uninstalls year-over-year in April, with the rate even higher in March, up 413 percent year-over-year following OpenAI's February partnership with the Pentagon. While ChatGPT is still expanding its user base, monthly active user growth has decelerated significantly, increasing by 168 percent in January but only 78 percent in April. ChatGPT maintains a larger user base than competitors, but its download growth is trailing that of rivals. Sensor Tower reported that Claude's downloads rose by roughly elevenfold over recent months while ChatGPT's increased by only 14 percent year-over-year during the same period. The slowdown comes as OpenAI pursues an initial public offering. The Wall Street Journal reported that the company recently missed internal targets for new users and revenue, sparking concerns among Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar and other leaders. Executives worry that OpenAI may lack sufficient funds to cover future computing contracts if revenue growth does not accelerate.