Meta is reportedly preparing to launch a standalone app for its AI assistant, Meta AI, which will join its suite of apps like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, according to a CNBC report. Sources familiar with the development suggest the app will debut in the second quarter of this year. Meta AI, initially introduced in September 2023, is a generative AI-powered assistant integrated into Meta’s existing apps, enabling users to receive responses, create images, and perform tasks based on prompts.

Meta is launching a new AI app to compete with ChatGPT.

It will be available separately from Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. pic.twitter.com/gexBdURRt8
— Wes Roth (@WesRothMoney) February 28, 2025

In April, Meta made its AI chatbot a central feature across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger by replacing their search bars.

In Meta’s fourth-quarter earnings call, Mark Zuckerberg highlighted AI’s growing significance, stating that 2025 will be the year when a highly intelligent and personalized AI assistant will reach over 1 billion people, with Meta AI expected to lead.

Currently, Meta AI is accessible only through Meta’s apps and website, unlike rivals like ChatGPT and Perplexity, which have standalone apps. A dedicated Meta AI app could enhance user interaction, offering personalized conversations and integration with devices like Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

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Zuckerberg has supported the idea of a standalone Meta AI app, even agreeing with a Threads user who suggested that such an app could unify the assistant across devices, organize conversation histories, and provide deeper customization. His response, using a red “100” emoji, indicated strong approval of the concept, reflecting his vision for the future of Meta AI.

Meta is exploring monetization strategies for Meta AI, with plans to introduce a paid subscription service, similar to OpenAI and Microsoft’s premium offerings. During an earnings call, CFO Susan Li mentioned potential revenue streams, including paid recommendations and a premium version of Meta AI.

Currently, Meta AI has around 700 million monthly active users, with India as its largest market. Usage is highest on WhatsApp, followed by Facebook, while its standalone website sees less than 10 million monthly views, significantly trailing behind competitors like ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

META will have its own META AI app. Theirs works very well, great for picture generation and has high quality output. pic.twitter.com/CXMY2H5PeY
— Karl Sarkans (@KarlSarkans) February 28, 2025

The push for a standalone Meta AI app comes as Meta faces growing competition in the AI space. Companies like Google and Elon Musk’s xAI have already launched dedicated apps for their AI assistants, Gemini and Grok, while ChatGPT remains the most popular AI app globally.

To compete, Zuckerberg is reportedly pressuring Meta’s AI teams to accelerate progress and make Meta AI the most-used chat app by year-end, creating an intense work environment with expectations of long hours and fast-paced development.

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