Google’s Gemini Closes in on ChatGPT as Pressure Mounts on OpenAI

U.S. tech giant Alphabet (GOOGL) has continued to close in on top startup OpenAI’s (PC:OPAIQ) lead in the AI chatbot race.

According to new data from research firm Sensor Tower — seen by The Information — Google expanded its monthly active user (MAU) base for its AI assistant Gemini by about 30% to 346 million users between August and November. However, during the same period, OpenAI only managed to squeeze out 5% growth for ChatGPT, with its MAUs reaching 810 million.

Users Rush to Google Gemini

Furthermore, the report found that Google’s mid-November release of Gemini 3.0, its most advanced version of the AI model, led to higher mobile downloads of the app. The model has been widely praised by industry observers and has been judged as superior to Anthropic’s (ANTPQ) Claude Sonnet 4.5.

With almost 900 million weekly active users, OpenAI still leads the race. As of the end of October, Gemini had 650 million monthly active users — up from 450 million in July, as Google has previously disclosed.

OpenAI Prepares for Showdown

Already, the Sam Altman-led OpenAI has started to make moves to defend its leading position in the market. According to media reports, OpenAI plans to release its next AI model, GPT 5.2, on December 9, after the widely followed AI company moved up its planned release.

In addition, Altman has reportedly declared a “code red” to employees in an internal memo. The startup plans to prioritize enhancing ChatGPT’s performance and security while putting other initiatives, such as advertising, on hold.

Is Google Still a Good Stock to Buy?

On Wall Street, Alphabet’s shares continue to enjoy a Strong Buy consensus from analysts based on 29 Buys and seven Holds issued by 36 analysts over the past three months.

At $320.15, the average GOOGL price target implies less than 2% upside from current trading levels.

See more GOOGL analyst ratings here.