Perplexity AI Dethrones ChatGPT, Gemini In India & US: Airtel Partnership Fuels Growth

Perplexity is now the top free app on Apple’s US App Store, surpassing ChatGPT and Google Gemini, fuelled by word of mouth, zero ad spend, and an Airtel partnership accelerating its India push.

Perplexity AI search engine climbs charts through word of mouth, Airtel partnership gives it an India boost.

Source : Twitter

Perplexity, the AI-powered search engine, has climbed to the number one position on the US App Store, overtaking major players like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Its rise is especially notable because it has achieved this milestone without spending on paid promotions, relying solely on word-of-mouth, performance, and user trust.

The company’s co-founder and CEO, Aravind Srinivas, shared the feat on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting that Perplexity secured the top spot without any App Store optimisation or advertising. This organic success reflects the app’s growing appeal as a reliable tool for search, powered by AI but rooted in transparency.

Perplexity is now the #1 overall app on App Store in India, ahead of ChatGPT. pic.twitter.com/d5Lw2R88b2

— Aravind Srinivas (@AravSrinivas) July 17, 2025

Airtel Integration Helps Expand Reach in India

A significant part of Perplexity’s recent growth stems from its partnership with Indian telecom giant Bharti Airtel. The AI search engine has now been integrated into Airtel’s in-app browser and Wynk Music app, a move that is likely to give it a massive visibility boost in India’s mobile-first market.

This collaboration places Perplexity in front of millions of potential users across the country, including those who may not yet be familiar with dedicated AI tools. With India's growing digital appetite and mobile penetration, the Airtel deal could prove to be a turning point for Perplexity’s expansion outside Western markets.

Perplexity AI's sharp rise in India is being driven by its strategic partnership with telecom major Bharti Airtel. The company is offering a free one-year subscription to Perplexity Pro, usually priced at Rs 1,850/month or Rs 18,500/year, to eligible users through the Airtel Thanks app. This limited-time offer, valid till January 17, 2026, makes premium AI features like GPT-4, Claude 3, and more accessible to millions at no extra cost.

The result? The app shot to the top position on the Indian App Store, surpassing giants like ChatGPT and Gemini. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas acknowledged the milestone on X, calling India one of its top three markets globally.

Seamless Access and a Search-First Philosophy

Perplexity stands out in the AI race by focusing strictly on delivering citation-based search results. Unlike AI tools that double as writing assistants or chatbots, Perplexity offers direct answers with source links — no login or payment required. Its clean design and no-frills usability have made it a hit among students, researchers, and professionals seeking reliable, instant information.

Now, with Airtel integration through the Wynk and in-app browser, the app is poised for even broader adoption in India’s mobile-first market.

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