TL;DR
- ChatGPT now has 300M weekly active users, up from its initial 2022 launch.
- In 2024, OpenAI released GPT-4o, integrated with Apple Intelligence, and unveiled Sora, a text-to-video model.
- Internal disruptions included key executive departures and lawsuits over copyright and governance.
- In 2025, OpenAI faces Chinese rivals like DeepSeek, delays its open model, and plans an AI-powered browser.
- Reports highlight rising ChatGPT-driven news referrals, but search engine declines persist.
OpenAI’s Chatbot Evolution from Launch to 300M Users
Since launching in November 2022, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has transformed from a novelty tool into a global platform with over 300 million weekly active users. Initially designed for generating text and code, the chatbot now spans a diverse range of use cases — from education and therapy to enterprise and voice-based interaction.
Major Milestones in 2024
2024 was pivotal in shaping OpenAI’s public image and product direction. Highlights include:
- Partnership with Apple for its AI platform Apple Intelligence
- Launch of GPT-4o, a multimodal model with real-time voice capabilities
- Unveiling of Sora, OpenAI’s text-to-video model with cinematic potential
- Internal turbulence with Ilya Sutskever and Mira Murati exiting leadership roles
- Ongoing legal disputes with Alden Global Capital and injunctions from Elon Musk
OpenAI’s 2025: Delays, Innovations, and Global Rivalries
This year, OpenAI is recalibrating strategy under increasing pressure from Chinese competitors like DeepSeek and legal-political headwinds in the U.S. Key developments:
- Open model delayed again due to extended safety evaluations, per CEO Sam Altman
- Planned release of an AI browser to challenge Google Chrome
- Experimental feature called “Study Together” for educational group interactions
- News traffic from ChatGPT is rising, but search engine click-throughs are down
June 2025: Energy, Downloads, and AI Chips
In June, ChatGPT made waves with performance and efficiency insights:
- ChatGPT app was downloaded 30M times, nearly matching TikTok and Meta’s suite
- Each ChatGPT query uses enough electricity to power a lightbulb for a few minutes
- OpenAI used Google’s TPU chips — a first departure from exclusive reliance on Nvidia
- Launch of o3-pro, an upgraded reasoning model
- Conversational voice mode received an advanced update for natural dialogue
Research Spotlight: Cognitive and Emotional Risks
In 2025, OpenAI and academic institutions raised caution about ChatGPT’s impact:
- MIT researchers warned of reduced brain engagement when using ChatGPT for writing tasks
- Stanford’s study found AI therapy chatbots may produce stigmatizing or harmful responses in mental health conversations
These findings underscore the responsibility of developers and users alike as AI tools become embedded in everyday life.
ChatGPT 2025 Key Stats
| Metric | Value / Status | Source |
| Weekly Active Users | 300 million | TechCrunch |
| GPT-4o Voice Model Release | 2024 | OpenAI |
| Text-to-Video Tool (Sora) | Launched 2024 | OpenAI Sora |
| Mobile App Downloads (June 2025) | 29.6 million | ZDNet via Similarweb |
| Average Energy per Query | 0.34 Wh / ~0.000083 gal water | Business Insider |
| News Referral Share Decline (2024-25) | Search click-throughs fell from 44% to 31% | Similarweb |
| Critical Thinking Deficit | Observed in 32 brain regions (MIT study) | MIT Tech Review |
