More Americans are now using artificial intelligence in their daily lives, and their use is becoming more regular, more mobile, and increasingly tied to dedicated apps. Latest PYMNTS Intelligence Data shows the market is moving from trial to habit as consumers make AI a part of their daily lives.
Using consumer AI
Reached majority
The use of AI for personal tasks reached 54% of US consumers in January, an increase of 5 points from December 2025. This is the clearest sign yet that AI has moved into the mainstream. One-third of consumers are now mainstream users, showing that penetration is not only growing but deepening.
AI platform transformation
While ChatGPT remains the top platform used by consumers, other platforms are rapidly gaining popularity. Claude’s user base grew by 22% month-over-month in January, while Gemini’s grew by 8%. Consumers still use market leaders, but also experiment with alternatives as the market develops.
Advantages of the app
Consumers are increasingly accessing AI through apps as well as websites. ChatGPT users are most likely to access the platform through a smartphone or tablet app at 38%. Gemini also has an app-driven usage rate of 36%. This suggests that some platforms have become familiar everyday tools for consumers.
power migration
Consumers who use AI the most are also most likely to use the platform’s partner apps when doing so. 48.2% of ChatGPT power users use the smartphone app, compared to 37.1% of light users. For major platforms, higher engagement typically results in stronger app usage and less reliance on browser access.
Changing AI habits
Consumers who replace old ways of doing things in favor of AI tools are more likely to use the apps they have installed. Consumer usage of the ChatGPT app has increased from 33% who say the platform has supplemented old habits to 44% who say it has replaced most of their old habits. As AI becomes part of daily operations, app-based access will become more common.
methodology
“For millions of consumers, the use of AI has become routine” is based on the March 2026 edition of the survey. Agentic AI Report, PYMNTS Intelligence Exclusive series. The findings are from a survey of 3,497 U.S. consumers conducted from January 6 to 30, 2026. The sample is balanced to reflect the U.S. adult population by age, gender, education, and income.
