OpenAI’s Sora Soars To No. 1 On Apple’s US App Store
OpenAI’s newest creation, Sora, has taken the tech world by storm. OpenAI’s Sora soars to No. 1 on Apple’s US App Store, beating out heavyweight AI apps like ChatGPT and Google Gemini within days of its release. Despite being invite-only and limited to users in the U.S. and Canada, Sora’s viral debut signals strong demand for AI video tools.
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On launch day, Sora saw 56,000 downloads, and by October 3rd, it climbed to the top spot on the U.S. App Store. App intelligence firm Appfigures estimates the app racked up 164,000 installs in its first two days.
Sora Outpaces Rival AI Apps
Sora’s rapid success puts it ahead of Google Gemini and even OpenAI’s own ChatGPT in App Store rankings. Its debut numbers also surpass launches from Anthropic’s Claude and Microsoft’s Copilot, while matching xAI’s Grok in early traction.
By comparison, ChatGPT and Gemini had stronger raw download counts on day one — with 81,000 and 80,000 installs respectively. However, given that Sora is invite-only, its ability to reach the No. 1 spot highlights just how much buzz it has generated.
Why Sora’s Launch Matters
The rise of Sora underscores the growing appetite for AI video tools in consumer apps. Unlike traditional AI chatbots, Sora blends creativity and entertainment, creating a more social, shareable experience. This shift suggests that AI is expanding beyond productivity and into lifestyle and entertainment, capturing mainstream users.
Some at OpenAI have expressed skepticism, arguing the company should focus on solving bigger societal challenges. Still, for many, the ability to generate AI-driven videos feels both playful and powerful — a new frontier for consumer AI adoption.
Different Launch Strategies In Play
Appfigures notes that comparing AI app launches isn’t always apples-to-apples. ChatGPT started with a U.S.-only release on iOS. Grok limited its rollout to the U.S., Australia, and India. Anthropic’s Claude, meanwhile, launched without clear geographic restrictions.
Despite these differences, Sora’s rise to the top of Apple’s App Store shows that user excitement for AI video creation is undeniable. If the app were available to everyone, its numbers might have been even more impressive.
OpenAI’s Sora is more than just another AI app — it’s a glimpse into where consumer AI is heading. With entertainment and creativity driving adoption, OpenAI has positioned itself to compete not just with ChatGPT and Gemini, but also with social platforms where video rules.
As OpenAI’s Sora soars to No. 1 on Apple’s US App Store, the message is clear: the next wave of AI isn’t just about text and chatbots — it’s about video, community, and creativity.
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