In a surprising twist in the AI app race, Perplexity AI, led by co-founder and CEO Aravind Srinivas, has dethroned ChatGPT to become the #1 free app on the Apple App Store in India. The sudden surge in popularity follows a strategic partnership with Indian telecom giant Airtel, which offers subscribers free access to Perplexity Pro.

A Game-Changing Telecom-AI Partnership

The partnership with Airtel has dramatically widened Perplexity’s reach. With millions of Airtel users now eligible for complimentary Pro access, the app delivers premium features such as:

• Access to advanced AI models
• Real-time answers powered by web search
• Image generation capabilities
• No ads or usage restrictions

This not only enhances the user experience but also makes cutting-edge generative AI tools more accessible to the Indian audience, eliminating the usual subscription barrier.

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Why Is Perplexity Gaining Ground?

Perplexity AI positions itself as a search-based AI assistant, blending the best of web browsing with generative AI. Unlike traditional chatbot models, Perplexity cites its sources in real-time, improving transparency and trust.

Its mobile-first design, low latency, and intuitive interface have also drawn praise, especially in markets where users seek reliable, fast, and interactive search alternatives.

ChatGPT: Still a Powerhouse, But Slipping?

While OpenAI’s ChatGPT remains a global leader with its powerful GPT-4o model and deep ecosystem integration, its premium paywall for advanced features may have slowed growth in emerging markets like India. With Perplexity now offering comparable power at zero cost for Airtel users, many have made the switch—at least for now.

What This Means for the AI App Landscape

This development signals a larger trend: AI access is being democratized through telecom and tech partnerships. With over 300 million smartphone users in India, the competition for attention and utility is heating up.

If Perplexity can maintain its lead and expand similar partnerships with other carriers or regions, it might reshape how users interact with AI daily—moving from premium novelty to essential utility.