OpenAI's ChatGPT reached 1 billion monthly users in May, but rivals Claude and Meta AI are growing far faster, signaling an intensifying race in consumer AI.

What happened: ChatGPT crossed 1 billion monthly app users in May, up 62% year over year, making it the fastest platform to reach that milestone after Google Maps. In February, OpenAI reported more than 900 million weekly active users and six times more monthly mobile sessions and web visits than the next AI platform. Meanwhile, Claude's user base rose 640% year over year, and Meta AI's jumped 973% year over year.

Why it matters: Although public pushback against AI development is growing, consumers are increasingly using and relying on these AI platforms—a sign that market adoption is moving beyond novelty into routine use. However, ChatGPT's lead is narrowing. The competitive field now includes Google Gemini, Anthropic's Claude, ByteDance's Doubao and Dola, and Meta AI, all gaining significant traction.

What to watch: Claude benefited from public response to OpenAI's February deal with the U.S. Department of Defense, suggesting that the AI platform battle may be shaped not only by product adoption but also by public perception and geopolitical events.