For a long time, talking about artificial intelligence at work meant talking about ChatGPT. The name became a reflex, almost a synonym for the technology itself. But a report published in mid-June 2026 by analytics firm Sensor Tower marks a turning point: for the first time, OpenAI’s assistant has dropped below 50% of global market share.

ChatGPT isn’t losing users in absolute terms. It keeps growing. What’s changed is that its competitors, Google Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude, are growing much faster. For a small business in Trois-Rivieres or anywhere else in Quebec, this isn’t just a ranking update. It changes how you should pick and use these tools day to day.

1. What the numbers actually say

Sensor Tower’s report covers 25 markets worldwide and paints a clear picture of where things stood in May 2026. Here are the highlights, reported as a general indication based on data from specialized media outlets:

• ChatGPT: 46.4% market share, down from 52.8% in December 2025 and 65.3% in December 2024. It’s still the leader, with roughly 1.1 billion monthly users.
• Google Gemini: 27.7% of the market, around 662 million monthly users. Its growth comes mainly from direct integration into Google’s products (Gmail, Docs, Android).
• Claude (Anthropic): 10.3% of the market, but a dramatic climb, from roughly 60 million users in December 2025 to 245 million in May 2026.

In other words, the market isn’t shrinking, it’s splitting. We’ve gone from a near monopoly to real three-way competition, not counting smaller players like Grok, Perplexity, or Microsoft’s Copilot, which are carving out their own niches.

2. Why ChatGPT is losing ground

Several factors explain this shift, and none of them are trivial for a business trying to pick the right technology partner.

Native integration makes a difference

Gemini has a simple edge: it’s already built into tools millions of people use every day. When AI shows up right inside Gmail or a document, there’s no need to open another site. For a small business, that’s an important lesson: the most useful tool isn’t always the most powerful one on paper, it’s the one that fits best into how you already work.

Trust and values matter

The report highlights an interesting point: an OpenAI deal with the US Department of Defense, struck in early 2026, triggered a measurable spike in uninstalls. Users are paying closer attention to the values behind a tool, not just its features. Claude, for its part, has built its reputation on safety and productivity, which appeals to professional users.

Specialization by task

Each assistant is developing its own strengths. Some excel at writing, others at analyzing code, others at summarizing long documents. The “one tool for everything” instinct makes less sense when each option shines in a different area.

3. What this means for your business, practically

Beyond the rankings, this diversification has real consequences for a business in Mauricie or Quebec City that’s starting to bring AI into its operations.

• Avoid relying on a single provider. Building all your processes around one assistant leaves you exposed if prices change, a feature disappears, or the service is suspended, as we’ve seen recently with certain models pulled without warning.
• Pricing shifts fast. Subscription rates and token costs (the usage measure for AI tools) change often. Always check the official pricing before committing, and budget accordingly.
• Data protection remains the priority. No matter which assistant you choose, the real question is: where does your data go, who can read it, and are you compliant with Quebec’s Law 25? This is where professional guidance makes all the difference.

At OKTO, we help businesses make these calls without getting lost in big tech’s marketing. Our managed IT services include evaluating AI tools based on your actual needs and privacy obligations.

4. How to choose the right AI tool in 2026

With three strong major players and several specialists in the mix, the right approach isn’t to pick one winner, it’s to build a simple strategy. Here’s how to do that without overcomplicating things.

• Start from the task, not the brand. Ask yourself what you’re trying to accomplish: writing emails, analyzing numbers, summarizing contracts. Then pick the tool that’s strongest for that specific job.
• Look at what you already use. If your business runs on Microsoft 365, an assistant built into that suite may be easier to roll out than an outside tool. Less friction, more adoption from your team.
• Test before you roll it out everywhere. Try it with a small team or a pilot project before pushing a tool company-wide. You’ll avoid bad surprises and wasted spending.
• Set clear rules for use. Give your employees clear guidelines: what information can go into an assistant, and what needs to stay confidential. A one-page AI usage policy beats having none at all.

The upside of the current situation is that competition is pushing every provider to improve and cut costs. A well-advised small business today has access to tools that were reserved for large enterprises just two years ago.

Frequently asked questions

Is ChatGPT still the best AI assistant?

ChatGPT remains the most widely used in the world and is still an excellent general-purpose tool. But “best” depends on your needs: Gemini shines within the Google ecosystem, and Claude is known for writing and analyzing long documents. The right choice is the one that fits your work, not the one topping the charts.

Should a small business use more than one AI assistant?

Often, yes. Many businesses use a tool built into their office suite for everyday tasks and a specialized assistant for specific jobs. What matters is keeping control over costs, access, and data privacy.

Is my data safe with these tools?

It depends on the provider, the plan, and the configuration. Business versions generally offer stronger guarantees than free consumer versions. In Quebec, Law 25 sets specific obligations around personal information, so specialized guidance is strongly recommended before rolling out AI at scale.

Making the right AI choices, with a partner you can trust

The AI market is diversifying, and that’s good news: more choice, more competition, better pricing. But more choice also means more decisions to make, and each one touches your data and your budget. Rather than chasing trends, take the time to align your tools with your real needs. Our team helps you evaluate your options, protect your information, and train your staff. Discover our IT services for small businesses or get in touch with us to talk about your AI strategy in Trois-Rivieres, Mauricie, or anywhere in Quebec.