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Gen AI Apps 2025: What We’re Actually Using (and Paying For)
AI isn’t just hype in 2025—it’s real, everywhere, and increasingly part of how we live. Want to know which apps are shaping your world? Let’s dive in.
Theo T
September 02, 2025
🔍 The Big Idea
Every six months, a16z releases its Top 100 Generative AI Consumer Apps. The fifth edition shows what is sticking, what is fading, and what is coming next. ChatGPT still leads the pack, but new players are carving out their own space in the market.
🧩 What Is Trending
The market is settling: Fewer new names are breaking into the rankings. Only 11 new web apps appear in this edition compared to 17 in March 2025. On mobile, 14 new apps made the list. Stricter App Store rules have slowed the flood of copycat ChatGPT apps.
Google’s rise: This is the first time Google’s AI tools are ranked separately. Gemini now sits at number 2 on web with about 12 percent of ChatGPT’s traffic. AI Studio is over 10. NotebookLM lands at 13. Google Labs also shows up with projects like Flow and Veo.
Mobile momentum: ChatGPT still dominates on mobile, but Gemini is gaining ground, especially on Android devices. The competition is heating up, and users are starting to split time between these platforms.
💡 Why This Matters for You
Who You Are | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
Casual Creator | AI drawing apps and video tools are turning from novelties into income streams. |
Curious Learner | Gemini’s rise shows people want different voices and styles, not just one tool. |
Everyday User | Apps that started as experiments are now part of daily life, like note-taking or photo editing. |
Builder or Founder | Standing out is harder now. Copying GPT is not enough. Solving a clear problem is key. |
💪 Try This Today
Expand your AI toolkit:
• Test Gemini or AI Studio for five minutes and note what feels different from ChatGPT.
• Download one new mobile AI app and try it on something simple, like editing a photo or summarizing notes.
• Ask yourself: would I actually use this again, or is it just fun for now?
🧭 Bottom Line
Generative AI apps are no longer experiments. They are becoming part of how we learn, create, and work. The Top 100 list is more than a leaderboard, it is a snapshot of what people are really adopting in everyday life.
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