According to the latest forecast report released by analysis firm Counterpoint Research, global consumer spending in the generative AI field is entering a period of explosive growth. It is expected that by 2030, total global consumer spending on this will reach nearly $700 billion. This growth engine will be driven jointly by the replacement of terminal hardware and the popularization of application-layer software.

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In the current market structure, AI hardware occupies the largest share of spending. The report emphasizes the key role of personal devices such as smartphones in the AI democratization process. Data shows that from 2023 to 2030, the shipment of generative AI smartphones worldwide is expected to grow steadily at an annual rate of 26%. Although high-end flagship models remain the main source of revenue, as AI technology becomes more compatible, the popularity of mid-range devices is driving AI to truly penetrate into everyday life.

At the same time, consumer-level software has shown even more astonishing potential for user expansion. The report predicts that the monthly active users (MAU) of AI chatbot platforms will reach 5 billion in the coming years. Currently, OpenAI maintains a leading position thanks to its first-mover advantage and large user base, while Google and Microsoft are close behind and are expected to achieve the most significant user growth in the next few years.

As observed by AIbase, despite strong short-term hardware spending, the prosperity of the software ecosystem will ultimately determine the success or failure of the entire AI industry chain. In addition to the well-known chatbots, niche markets such as art creation generators, personal AI assistants, and image editing tools are also poised to take off, signaling the arrival of a comprehensive AI consumer era.

Key Points:

  • 📈 Scale Crossing: It is expected that by 2030, global total spending on generative AI will reach $700 billion, with the industry facing exponential growth.

  • 📱 Hardware Downward Trend: Generative AI smartphone shipments will maintain an annual growth rate of 26%, and the technology is transforming from high-end luxury accessories into standard features on mid-range mobile devices.

  • 🌐 Software Competition: The monthly active users of AI chatbot platforms are expected to reach 5 billion, and the quality of software ecosystem growth will become a key factor in determining the return on AI investment.