ChatGPT surges to 700M weekly users as GPT-5 nears launch

OpenAI’s flagship product, ChatGPT, is poised to hit a historic milestone of 700 million weekly active users, a remarkable feat that underscores the rapid mainstream adoption of AI tools globally. The surge represents a 40% increase since March — when ChatGPT reported 500 million weekly users — and a fourfold rise year-over-year, cementing its place among the fastest-growing software platforms in tech history.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for OpenAI, which is preparing to launch its most advanced language model to date: GPT-5. The new model is expected to integrate powerful reasoning capabilities, consolidating features previously split between different versions of the GPT family. According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the unified system aims to reduce user confusion and streamline performance, although it will take “many months” post-launch to achieve what he refers to as a “gold level of capability.”

“Every day, people and teams are learning, creating, and solving harder problems,” said Nick Turley, VP and head of ChatGPT, in a post on X. “Big week ahead.”

ChatGPT’s growth isn’t limited to individual users. The company has rapidly expanded its enterprise footprint, reaching 5 million paying business customers, up from 3 million just two months prior. This increase in both consumer and enterprise usage has propelled OpenAI’s annual recurring revenue to $13 billion, with projections suggesting that figure could climb past $20 billion by year’s end.

The app’s popularity skyrocketed in early 2025 following the introduction of an upgraded image generation tool powered by GPT-4, which enabled over 130 million users to create 700 million images in a matter of days. In addition to text and image capabilities, ChatGPT is being integrated into a growing number of professional workflows, transforming it from an experimental chatbot to an essential business tool.

According to Sensor Tower, users now spend an average of 16 minutes per day on the app, using it more than 12 days a month, making ChatGPT one of the most actively used digital platforms globally—trailing only Google and X (formerly Twitter) in user engagement.

The upcoming GPT-5 model is being positioned as a major leap forward for OpenAI. Unlike past rollouts where advanced reasoning capabilities were offered as standalone models (like the o3 series), GPT-5 will incorporate these functions directly into the main platform. OpenAI plans to offer multiple GPT-5 variants, including mini and nano versions, available via API to accommodate different computing and performance needs.

The consolidation of capabilities aligns with OpenAI’s broader pursuit of artificial general intelligence (AGI). Achieving AGI would significantly alter OpenAI’s commercial relationship with Microsoft, its primary backer. Under existing terms, hitting the AGI milestone would void Microsoft’s exclusive access to future OpenAI models and revenue streams — a game-changing shift in the AI power dynamic.

Fueled by an $8.3 billion funding round that pushed its valuation to $300 billion, OpenAI is investing heavily in infrastructure to support its scaling ambitions. Key deals include a $30 billion lease with Oracle for data center capacity and an $11.9 billion partnership with CoreWeave, with additional projects underway in Norway and Abu Dhabi. These moves are designed to solidify OpenAI’s dominance in AI compute resources and ensure uptime as user demand continues to skyrocket.

OpenAI’s explosive growth places it ahead of rivals like Google, Meta, Anthropic, and xAI, each investing billions into similar generative AI technologies. Google’s Gemini app reportedly has 450 million monthly users, while AI Overviews reaches 2 billion users globally. Meanwhile, Anthropic is rumored to be seeking a new funding round at a $170 billion valuation, and Microsoft is actively recruiting AI talent from competitors to fortify its partnership with OpenAI.

As AI continues to become more pervasive, OpenAI is introducing wellness-focused features to ensure responsible use. These include break reminders and tools to support users through challenging interactions, reflecting growing awareness around the psychological impact of AI tools.

“We want ChatGPT to help you thrive — not just hold your attention,” said the company in a recent update.