ChatGPT App Revenue Soars After GPT-4o Launch

Consumer demand for cutting-edge AI continues to rise sharply. OpenAI's latest model, GPT-4o, has triggered unprecedented revenue growth for the ChatGPT mobile app. Officially launched on May 13, GPT-4o showcases advanced capabilities in handling text, speech, and video with real-time responsiveness and emotive voice options. This innovative leap in AI technology has significantly driven users toward upgrading to paid subscriptions, contributing to record-breaking revenue figures on mobile platforms.

Despite the free availability of GPT-4o on the web, OpenAI strategically withheld this feature from its mobile app's free tier. Mobile users interested in leveraging GPT-4o's enhanced capabilities have been nudged towards a $19.99 monthly subscription for ChatGPT Plus. This move has not only heightened user interest but also resulted in the largest increase in mobile app revenue that OpenAI has witnessed. Data from Appfigures underscores this surge, with significant jumps in net revenue since the release of GPT-4o.

The ChatGPT mobile app experienced a substantial 22% increase in revenue on the launch day, with continued growth in the following days. As reported, net revenue peaked at $900,000 on Tuesday, almost double the app's daily average of $491,000. Recognized after deductions from Apple and Google commissions, these figures reflect a strong consumer response, illustrating the growing willingness to invest in premium AI experiences on mobile devices. This surge eclipses previous spikes, including a minor jump in April.

From May 13 to 17, ChatGPT's mobile app reaped $4.2 million in net revenue from both the App Store and Google Play. This figure underscores the sustained consumer demand for advanced AI, even when it comes at a higher cost than typical subscriptions like Netflix. Apple's App Store contributed the lion's share — 81% of the new revenue — with the U.S. market leading at $1.8 million. Other significant contributors included Germany, the U.K., Japan, and France, among others.

The rising trend in revenue shows no sign of abating. These statistics indicate not only keen interest but also substantial spending by consumers on AI advancements. OpenAI might continue to see these trends upward, suggesting ongoing and escalating engagement with their offerings. As GPT-4o rolls out more extensively, it will be intriguing to observe how these dynamics evolve and their impact on the broader AI market.