OpenAI's GPT-5 Launch Drives 700M Weekly Active Users

OpenAI’s ChatGPT has continued to redefine the boundaries of artificial intelligence, evolving from a text-generating tool into a powerful multimodal platform with hundreds of millions of users. Since its launch in November 2022, the chatbot has grown to nearly 700 million weekly active users by August 2025, establishing itself as a cornerstone of modern AI innovation. The platform now supports a range of sophisticated features, including advanced coding, voice interaction, and image generation, positioning it as a versatile tool across industries [1].

The 2024 and 2025 periods marked a pivotal phase for OpenAI, characterized by strategic collaborations, product advancements, and internal restructuring. A key milestone was its partnership with Apple, which integrated OpenAI’s generative AI into Apple Intelligence, a move that extended its reach into a broader consumer and enterprise ecosystem. The introduction of GPT-4o and, later, GPT-5 in August 2025 underscored OpenAI’s commitment to advancing multimodal AI and enhancing real-time interaction. Meanwhile, the development of the text-to-video model Sora signaled the company’s ambition to expand beyond text generation into more immersive AI experiences. However, this period was also marked by internal challenges, including the departure of key executives and ongoing legal battles, such as copyright infringement lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny [1].

GPT-5, the most advanced version of the platform to date, introduces new modes—“Auto,” “Fast,” and “Thinking”—to give users greater control over response generation. This version is designed to handle complex tasks such as coding applications, managing calendars, and generating research briefs. While GPT-5 is now available, OpenAI continues to support legacy models like GPT-4o and GPT-4.1, catering to a diverse user base with varying needs. In April 2025, the GPT-4.1 series was launched, with a focus on coding capabilities, competing directly with other advanced programming AI models. The introduction of the O series, including o3, o3-pro, and o3-mini, further enhances the chatbot’s reasoning abilities by leveraging increased computing power and improved logic processing [1].

Multimodal enhancements have also been a focal point of OpenAI’s development strategy. In March 2025, the image generation tool was upgraded, enabling users to create and edit images directly within the platform. The conversational voice mode has also been refined, offering more natural and fluid interactions across different user tiers. In addition, specialized AI agents such as Codex for coding and Operator for autonomous task execution have expanded ChatGPT’s functionality beyond content generation into workflow automation. Features like “Study Mode” and “Study Together” aim to foster collaborative learning and critical thinking, while integrations with Google Drive and Box enhance its enterprise utility [1].

Despite its rapid innovation, OpenAI faces significant challenges. The AI race is intensifying, with competition from rivals like DeepSeek prompting OpenAI to strengthen its global presence and pursue ambitious data center projects. The company has also returned to open source with models such as gpt-oss-120b and gpt-oss-20b, a move that could enhance community development and broader adoption. However, ethical and safety concerns remain pressing. Privacy issues, particularly in Europe, have raised questions about the chatbot’s accuracy and potential for generating defamatory content. A recent MIT study highlighted concerns that heavy reliance on ChatGPT could hinder critical thinking skills, as users show minimal brain engagement compared to traditional research methods [1].

OpenAI has responded by introducing new safeguards, including content moderation updates for image generation and revised policies for handling user data. Additionally, the company has launched “OpenAI for Countries,” a program aimed at developing localized AI infrastructure and expanding Project Stargate globally. These initiatives reflect OpenAI’s strategic shift toward global scalability and customization, as it seeks to address regulatory, ethical, and technical challenges in a rapidly evolving landscape [1].

Looking ahead, OpenAI is exploring new frontiers beyond the traditional chatbot interface. Reports suggest the company is developing an AI-powered web browser, potentially challenging established players like Google Chrome by keeping user interactions within the ChatGPT ecosystem. The development of a social media network is also in the early stages, indicating OpenAI’s broader ambitions to compete with platforms like X and Instagram. While the pricing and launch details for specialized AI agents remain speculative, the reported range—up to $20,000 per month for high-income professionals—suggests a monetization strategy aimed at sustaining the company’s ambitious R&D goals [1].

The evolution of ChatGPT represents more than just technological progress—it reflects the ongoing dialogue about AI’s role in society. As OpenAI pushes the boundaries of what AI can achieve, its influence on productivity, communication, and the digital landscape continues to grow. With the launch of GPT-5 and the pursuit of even more advanced applications, ChatGPT is poised to remain at the forefront of the AI revolution, shaping the future of human-computer interaction in ways previously unimaginable [1].

Source: [1] ChatGPT: Unleashing the Phenomenal Evolution of OpenAI’s AI Chatbot (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/689e0db73656727e9210df9a/)