The battle between OpenAI and Meta in the artificial intelligence space has intensified with Meta’s announcement of a standalone AI assistant app. Following reports that Meta AI will soon have its own dedicated app, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took to X (formerly Twitter) to react with a playful yet intriguing response.Altman reshared the CNBC report about Meta AI’s expansion and jokingly wrote, "ok fine maybe we'll do a social app." He later added another remark referencing an “Uno reverse” move, implying that if Meta is stepping into OpenAI’s domain with an AI chatbot app, OpenAI might enter Meta’s social media space in return. While the comment was seemingly made in jest, it has sparked speculation about whether OpenAI could expand beyond AI chatbots and venture into social networking.
 

Meta’s move to create a dedicated app for Meta AI is seen as a direct challenge to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which remains the most widely used AI chatbot. While Meta AI is currently integrated into Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, a standalone app would provide users with more focused AI interactions, allowing deeper customization and a potential premium offering.
 

Meta’s AI Expansion and OpenAI’s Reaction

Meta has been exploring the development of standalone apps for specific features, a strategy that aims to diversify its offerings beyond social media. Recently, Meta was reported to be working on a standalone Reels app, targeting users concerned about TikTok’s uncertain future in the U.S.. According to reports, Adam Mosseri, Meta’s chief of Instagram, suggested that a separate Reels app could provide users with a TikTok-like video-scrolling experience while positioning Meta as a strong alternative.Now, with the Meta AI app expected to launch in the second quarter of 2024, CEO Mark Zuckerberg is pushing aggressively to establish Meta as a leader in artificial intelligence. This move aligns with his vision of surpassing competitors such as OpenAI and Google’s Alphabet in the AI sector by the end of the year.
 

Unlike ChatGPT, Perplexity AI, and Google Gemini, which are available as standalone apps, Meta AI is currently only accessible within Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. While Meta’s platforms provide built-in access to AI, a dedicated app could significantly boost engagement and help Meta compete more directly with ChatGPT’s dominance in the AI assistant space.Meta is also considering monetization options for its AI assistant. Similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus and Microsoft’s Copilot Pro, Meta AI may introduce a paid subscription model, allowing users to unlock advanced AI features. According to Meta CFO Susan Li, the company is exploring monetization strategies, including paid recommendations and premium offerings, which could generate new revenue streams for Meta’s AI division.
 

Tech Industry Rivalry: OpenAI, Meta, and the Future of AI

The growing rivalry between OpenAI and Meta is shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Sam Altman’s response highlights the competitive nature of the AI industry, where companies are constantly expanding their offerings to maintain dominance.Altman has been particularly vocal on X, frequently addressing major tech developments. Recently, he rejected Elon Musk’s $97 billion bid to acquire OpenAI, making his stance clear before the offer was even formally considered by OpenAI’s board. He responded on X with a sarcastic remark, stating, "No thank you, but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want."
 

The AI space is evolving rapidly, with companies like OpenAI, Meta, Google, and xAI racing to innovate and capture market share. While Meta’s AI assistant is gaining traction, OpenAI remains the leader in AI-driven chatbots, with ChatGPT consistently topping global AI app download charts.Whether OpenAI will seriously consider launching a social media platform remains uncertain, but Altman’s response indicates that the AI industry is becoming more competitive than ever. With Meta’s standalone AI app set to debut soon, the next few months could see further developments in the AI assistant market and beyond.