Microsoft seems to be experiencing another challenge with its AI initiative. Despite the integration of its AI assistant, Copilot, into Windows systems and the widely used Microsoft 365 suite, user adoption has been tepid. A recent report reveals that ChatGPT has achieved approximately ten times the downloads of Microsoft’s Copilot, highlighting a crucial issue in user engagement.
According to Bloomberg, data from Sensor Tower indicates that the Copilot app for iOS and Android has amassed around 79 million downloads, which sounds impressive at first. However, it pales in comparison to ChatGPT’s staggering 900 million downloads. You don’t need an algorithm to see which number stands out.
While it’s common for competitors to outpace one another, Microsoft had significant advantages that it has not capitalized on effectively. Having partnered with OpenAI, Microsoft launched Copilot ahead of Google’s Gemini and other AI rivals like Anthropic’s Claude, Meta AI, and DeepSeek. Nevertheless, Copilot currently ranks fourth in total installations, behind not only ChatGPT but also Gemini and DeepSeek.
One reason for Copilot’s lackluster reception lies in Microsoft’s strategy. The company made the decision to split Copilot into distinct versions for work and personal use. This led many users on Android to lose access to vital functions when Microsoft rebuilt the app from scratch. On desktops, the situation is even more perplexing, as Copilot lacks access to basic system controls—simple tasks like adjusting volume or launching applications such as Outlook are capabilities even “dumb” assistants like Siri have managed to provide for years.
This pattern isn’t new for Microsoft. The tech giant once faced scrutiny for favoring its Internet Explorer browser over competitors but has struggled to replicate the same dominance in other areas. The smart assistant Cortana, which once had a promising start, ultimately failed to achieve the same level of relevance as Siri or Alexa, despite its vast install base due to its presence in the Windows operating system. Similarly, Bing, as the default search engine on Windows devices, has seen minimal market share growth, even after integrating AI functionalities.
In short, Microsoft seems unable to cultivate loyalty toward its products. Perhaps it could explore ways to enhance its offerings and better resonate with users in a competitive landscape.
Can Microsoft’s Copilot compete with ChatGPT?
Currently, Copilot has less than 10% of ChatGPT’s download numbers, indicating a significant gap in user preference.
What are the main reasons for Copilot’s slow adoption?
Issues like the split into work and personal versions and lack of functionality in basic tasks may contribute to its underwhelming user base.
How does Copilot compare with other AI assistants?
Despite its early entry into the market, Copilot lags behind competitors like ChatGPT and Gemini in terms of downloads and user engagement.
What could Microsoft do differently to improve Copilot’s appeal?
Enhancing functionality, streamlining user experience, and focusing on customer feedback could foster greater user engagement and satisfaction.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s Copilot faces a tough road ahead as it seeks to gain ground against established competitors. If you’re intrigued by the latest developments in technology, explore more insightful content at Moyens I/O.