OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is reportedly responding to a significant loss in user traffic following the launch of Google’s Gemini 3 AI model. According to leaked internal memos and third-party data, OpenAI has seen a roughly 6% decline in daily users since Gemini 3’s release, signaling mounting pressure from competitors.
The Rise of Gemini 3
Gemini 3 has quickly established itself as a leader in AI performance. Benchmarks, including those from LMArena, show the model outperforming ChatGPT in key areas. Google’s deep resources and access to vast training datasets give it a natural advantage in AI development. This makes the competition more real, as OpenAI has historically relied on being the first mover.
User Shift and OpenAI’s Response
Data from SimilarWeb suggests ChatGPT’s average daily visits dropped from 203 million to 191 million in the last week. This equates to a loss of approximately 12 million daily users. While seasonal factors like Thanksgiving may play a role, the decline is substantial. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly declared a “code red” internally, acknowledging the urgency of the situation.
GPT-5 Backlash and Balancing Act
OpenAI’s recent missteps with GPT-5 contributed to the shift. While technically superior, the model was criticized for its less conversational tone, leading to a partial rollback with the reintroduction of GPT-4o. The company faces a constant challenge: balancing raw capability with user experience and safety, a tightrope it has struggled to walk effectively.
Enterprise Competition Heats Up
The pressure isn’t just from consumer-facing AI. Anthropic, another major player, has secured over 300,000 business customers, including Fortune 500 companies, as of late 2025. This demonstrates growing competition in the lucrative enterprise AI market. OpenAI is actively working to shore up its position with deals with Nvidia and Oracle to secure infrastructure.
Broader Implications
The current situation highlights the rapidly evolving AI landscape. OpenAI’s dominance is no longer guaranteed, and Google’s Gemini 3 has proven itself a strong contender. The company’s response—and whether it can regain lost ground—will be critical in shaping the future of AI. The market is now a full-blown race, with no clear winner in sight.
