Observed Signal · Jun 18, 2026 · Report Release · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Positive
ChatGPT Share Drops Below 50% As Gemini Grows To 28%
Sensor Tower's 'State of AI 2026' report projects that time spent in generative AI apps will more than double in H1 2026 to 36 billion hours. ChatGPT remains the largest assistant with one billion monthly active users by May 2026, but its True Audience share fell below 50% in March, while Google Gemini grew to 28% and Claude's US share rose to about 14%. The report links the shift to an OpenAI-DoD agreement that triggered a spike in US uninstalls. In-app purchases from AI apps are expected to exceed $4 billion in H1 2026. AI assistants are also driving shopping referrals, and ChatGPT's early ad tests saw impressions multiply sevenfold from March to May, with US AI-related ad spend reaching $1.3 billion in Q1 2026. Sensor Tower concludes 2026 is the year AI moves from early adoption into structural integration.
The report shows generative AI apps doubling usage and becoming an ad channel, with ChatGPT ad impressions growing sevenfold and AI assistants driving measurable e-commerce conversions, signaling a structural shift relevant to AdTech and MarTech.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Sensor Tower predicts global time spent in generative AI apps will rise from 17.2 billion hours in H1 2025 to 36 billion hours in H1 2026.
- ChatGPT's True Audience share fell below 50% in March 2026, while Google Gemini's share reached 28%.
- Claude's US market share rose from 4.4% to nearly 14% year over year by May 2026, with True Audience up 452%.
- Global in-app purchase revenue from AI apps is expected to surpass $4 billion in H1 2026, up 36% versus H2 2025.
- US AI-related advertising spend reached $1.3 billion with 167 billion impressions in Q1 2026; ChatGPT ad impressions grew sevenfold between March and May 2026.
Connected Companies & Entities
8 Entities mapped“Google Gemini expanded its reach, supported by Android integration, especially in Europe, the US, Japan, and South Korea....”
“Sensor Tower published its 80+ page 'State of AI 2026' annual report on the AI industry....”
“OpenAI loses its absolute market majority for the first time as ChatGPT's share falls below 50%....”
“Claude's True Audience grew 452% year over year in May, with its US market share climbing from 4.4% to nearly 14%....”
“ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and DeepSeek together accounted for nearly 90% of all time spent in AI assistant apps in Q1 2026....”
“Amazon customers using the Rufus assistant convert at nearly double the rate of non-users....”
“For integrated retailers such as Walmart and Target, the GenAI referral share rose above 1.5%....”
“For integrated retailers such as Walmart and Target, the GenAI referral share rose above 1.5%....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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