Lead
ChatGPT captured an overwhelming 84.6% of global mobile web traffic directed to large language model (LLM) services between March and October 2025, far outpacing rivals. Perplexity accounted for 9.7%, while Google Gemini registered 2.7%, underscoring OpenAI’s clear lead as billions invested in the platform appear to be paying off.
Key Findings
- ChatGPT: 84.6%
- Perplexity: 9.7%
- Google Gemini: 2.7%
- Microsoft Copilot: 2.1%
- Claude: 0.6%
- DeepSeek: 0.3%
Timeframe: March – October 2025 (global mobile web traffic to LLM products).
Context and Dynamics
The data highlights how entrenched ChatGPT has become in mobile AI usage, capturing the vast majority of traffic among consumer-facing LLMs. The performance suggests that sustained, multi-billion-dollar backing for OpenAI and strong brand recognition continue to translate into user acquisition and engagement on mobile.
Meanwhile, Perplexity has emerged as a notable challenger with 9.7%, reflecting growing adoption of AI-native search and answer engines on smartphones. Google Gemini, despite access to a massive distribution network through Search and Android, stood at 2.7% in this period. Market observers note that Google still has the tools and scale to close the gap over time, but the current figures illustrate how far ahead ChatGPT sits in mobile discovery and usage.
Microsoft Copilot at 2.1% shows steady traction, likely supported by integration across Windows and Microsoft 365, though it remains a smaller player on mobile compared to ChatGPT. Claude (0.6%) and DeepSeek (0.3%) round out the list, indicating room for growth as these models expand consumer-facing features and distribution.
Why It Matters
- User acquisition on mobile: Traffic share is a strong proxy for consumer mindshare and potential conversion into paid features or subscriptions.
- Search and discovery: LLMs that integrate deeply with mobile search and browsers can gain outsized reach, highlighting the importance of distribution partnerships and default placements.
- Competitive runway: Despite ChatGPT’s commanding lead, large incumbents still have levers—such as ecosystem integration and bundled services—to improve their positions.
Looking Ahead
The next phase of competition will likely center on mobile onboarding, app integrations, and differentiated experiences (e.g., real-time answers, agentic workflows, and productivity tie-ins). Investors and builders will watch whether Gemini can leverage Google’s ecosystem to gain share, if Perplexity’s momentum sustains, and how Copilot and Claude expand their mobile presence.