AI is taking over our smartphones

In 2024, artificial intelligence has definitively established itself as one of the pillars of mobile uses, with 17 billion downloads representative 13% of the world total. ChatGPT, Google Geminior even Duolingoare the first to benefit from this craze according to the STATE OF MOBILE 2025 study, now published by SensorTower.

Since its launch in May 2023, ChatGPT has become a textbook case. In less than five monthsthe application reached 50 million monthly active users (MAU)surpassing in speed giants like Disney+ or YouTube Music. In 2024, ChatGPT has consolidated its dominance by generating 40% of global revenue from AI applications.

While ChatGPT positions itself as a generalist, Google Gemini et Duolingo are distinguished by their specialization. Google Geminiin particular, has been able to capitalize on the seamless integration into the Google ecosystem, offering users a seamless transition between tasks as diverse as planning, research or creation. Ranked in the top 3 AI applications in markets such as Canada and Germany, Gemini is a typical example of AI integrated into concrete, everyday uses.

Duolingofor its part, explores the educational potential of AI. With its premium offer Duolingo Maxthe platform has introduced features like Explain My Answer et Roleplaywhich simulate immersive conversations. By allowing users to interact with avatars in real time, Duolingo offers an experience, which, based on the figures, has boosted the adoption of the brand’s services.

The explosion of AI applications cannot be separated from geography. While mature markets like the United States or Europe generate most of the revenue (45% for the United States), these are the emerging markets that truly drive growth. India, with more than 1.5 billion downloads in 2024, illustrates this dynamic, driven by strong demand for productivity and learning tools. Brazil and Indonesia, with over a billion downloads each, have a growing appetite for highly accessible AI applications.

However, in mature markets, growth is slowing, giving way to increased expectations. Users are no longer satisfied with marginal innovations: they demand differentiating features, capable of justifying the cost of premium subscriptions. This tension between innovation and saturation requires app developers to reinvent their business models.

In 2025, mobile AI is moving towards ever more discreet, highly integrated and omnipresent integration. Sectors like healthwith assistants capable of providing preliminary diagnoses, or the commercewith ultra-personalized shopping experiences, will pave the way for a new generation of intelligent services.

Furthermore, emerging markets go beyond being growth drivers, offering opportunities to very different apps, due to market specificities, particularly in terms of monetization, where free remains the norm.

Finally, pressure from consumers in saturated markets will force applications to raise their standards. AI functionalities must go beyond simple technical improvement and offer truly differentiating experiences, capable of building loyalty.