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New web traffic figures signal a slowdown in OpenAI’s ChatGPT momentum in the consumer AI market. Meanwhile, policy shifts and large acquisitions show how quickly distribution and product strategy can change as rivals release new models. The shifts also raise questions about retention and stickiness. Companies now compete on reach, reliability, and convenience.
Analysts also note limits in the numbers. SimilarWeb data reflects desktop and mobile web activity, not native app usage. It also counts visits rather than unique people. For that reason, comparisons should focus on direction, not absolutes.
SimilarWeb web analytics data points to a recent dip. Menlo Ventures partner Deedy Das shared the figures in a post. The data shows ChatGPT’s seven-day average visitors fell about 22% over six weeks. Average visitors moved from nearly 203 million to 158 million.
The same dataset suggests Google’s Gemini held steadier traffic over the same period. It now draws close to 40% of ChatGPT’s web audience. The timing overlaps with the year-end holiday period, which often reduces activity. However, Gemini’s flatter line has sparked debate about faster user switching.
Digit.in also linked the change to wider competition from Gemini, xAI’s Grok, and open-source tools that can fragment attention.
OpenAI confirmed ChatGPT will stop working on WhatsApp after January 15, 2026. WhatsApp changed its policy and terms for the Business API. OpenAI said it wanted to keep the service running. However, it is guiding users to the ChatGPT apps and website.
WhatsApp’s policy update targets general-purpose AI chatbots and affects several third-party assistants. That change can shift casual, low-friction usage toward first-party options, including Meta AI. Consequently, distribution now matters as much as model quality for daily consumer reach.
OpenAI’s guidance says users can connect their WhatsApp number to a ChatGPT account. That step lets chats appear in ChatGPT history. OpenAI also points users to iOS, Android, and web, where it offers voice and file uploads. Users who skip linking risk losing access to older WhatsApp chats.
Meta has moved to strengthen its AI lineup through acquisitions. Multiple reports say Meta agreed to acquire Manus, an AI startup based in Singapore. The deal is reported at more than $2 billion. Meta has not disclosed financial terms publicly.
Manus markets an “agent” that completes multi-step digital tasks, including research, résumé screening, and planning. Reports also say Meta will remove any continuing Chinese ownership interests after the transaction. They also say Manus will wind down operations in China. Meta expects the team to support Meta AI across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Neither OpenAI nor Google has publicly commented on the SimilarWeb traffic figures highlighted by Digit.in. Still, shifting web demand and tighter platform rules can move usage quickly. Rapid consolidation also adds uncertainty for early 2026 engagement trends.
Also Read: DeepSeek versus Manus AI: Who Will Dominate the AI War?
