Saturated Market and User Decline: What Is Happening with ChatGPT?
If we thought AI growth would be endless, data is now proving us wrong. According to data company Sensor Tower, it's not just a slight slowdown, but a significant shift in user behavior. The ChatGPT app uninstall rate is rising, indicating that for many people, the tool is ceasing to be a daily necessity and is becoming more of a "one-time toy" or a tool that no longer offers sufficient added value compared to alternatives.
For the average user in the Czech Republic, this does not mean that ChatGPT will stop working. The tool is still fully available in Czech and its text generation capabilities remain top-notch. However, the market is changing. It's no longer enough to just "know how to answer." Users are now looking for deeper integration into their operating systems, better agent autonomy, and lower prices.
Why Are People Leaving? An Analysis of Causes
There are several key factors driving this trend:
- OS-level Integration: Google with its Gemini model and Apple with its Apple Intelligence integration (which became standard in 2026) no longer need to send users to a separate app. AI is directly in the keyboard, in the browser, and in the system.
- Market Saturation: Most people who wanted to try the "magic" of chatting with AI have already done so. Subsequent growth requires deeper use in professional areas.
- Rise of Specialized Agents: Instead of a general chatbot, people are choosing tools that can independently perform tasks (booking flights, managing emails, data analysis), which OpenAI has not yet fully implemented into its basic mobile version as effectively as competitors do.
Battle for the Market: ChatGPT vs. Competition
OpenAI is no longer the only player. In 2026, the battlefield is divided among several dominant forces, each with a different strength. For comparison, here is the current situation for the most significant models:
| Model / Company | Main Advantage | Availability in the Czech Republic | Price (subscription) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT (OpenAI) | Versatility, GPTs ecosystem | Yes (Czech) | Free / ~20 USD (Plus) |
| Gemini (Google) | Integration with Google Workspace, Android | Yes (Czech) | Free / ~20 EUR (Advanced) |
| Claude (Anthropic) | Logic, nuance, safety | Yes (Czech) | Free / ~20 USD (Pro) |
| Llama (Meta) | Open-source, runs on device | Yes (Czech) | Free (Open Source) |
While ChatGPT still leads in total user numbers, Claude from Anthropic is gaining enormous ground among professionals and programmers due to its ability to better understand complex instructions without hallucinations. On the other side stands Google Gemini, which thanks to its integration into Gmail and Docs is winning in the productivity segment, where users don't want to switch between applications.
Financial Implications: Does OpenAI Face a Problem with Its IPO?
For investors, the most important indicator is user base growth. OpenAI has long been preparing to go public (IPO) to raise capital for further development of giant models, which require billions of dollars in computing power. However, if app download growth declines and the uninstall rate rises, it may raise questions about the sustainability of long-term growth (LTV - Lifetime Value of the user).
Analysts warn that if OpenAI cannot transform its "chatting" users into "working" users (i.e., those who use AI agents and pay for advanced features), their market value at the time of going public may be significantly lower than expected. Investors are no longer looking for just "hype," but real profitability and customer loyalty.
Impact on the European and Czech Market
For European companies and users, the situation is complicated by regulation. The EU AI Act places strict demands on transparency and model safety. The fact that ChatGPT is slowing down could be an opportunity for European startups. If OpenAI is unable to quickly respond to local needs and regulations, smaller, more specialized models that are "compliant" with European standards and better handle the specifics of local markets could fill the space.
In the Czech context, this means that companies should not build their strategy on just one tool (e.g., only ChatGPT). Diversification among different models (e.g., using Claude for writing texts and Gemini for data analysis within Google Workspace) is becoming the standard for ensuring continuity and efficiency.
Conclusion: What to Expect Next?
The slowdown in download growth is not necessarily a sign of failure, but a sign of market maturation. AI is ceasing to be a novelty that people download out of curiosity and is becoming a utility. For OpenAI, it is now critical to show that their platform is not just a "chat window," but a brain that can manage complex digital processes. The success of their IPO will depend on whether they can keep users within their ecosystem even at a time when competition offers AI directly in their pocket.
Is ChatGPT still the best choice for work in Czech?
ChatGPT remains one of the best options thanks to its high level of Czech. However, for specific tasks, such as creative writing with a high degree of nuance, competing Claude (Anthropic) may currently be an equally good or even better choice.
What are the costs of professional AI use within a company?
Most top models offer "Pro" or "Plus" versions at a price point of around 20 USD (approximately 450–500 CZK) per month per user. For companies, there are Enterprise versions that offer higher data security and better user management, the price of which is usually individually negotiated.
Can EU regulation (AI Act) limit my use of ChatGPT?
The regulation primarily does not limit users in their use, but places strict rules on providers (like OpenAI) regarding how they train models, how transparent they are, and how they address risks. This may lead to some features being launched in the EU with a slight delay compared to the USA, in order to be in compliance with the law.