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AI Assistants Rise: 32% Replace Apps as Preference Shifts

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In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, TELUS Digital has uncovered a significant shift in consumer behavior. A new survey indicates that 32% of consumers have replaced traditional apps with AI assistants over the past year. The appeal lies in convenience, with 62% finding AI assistants more accessible and 54% citing faster results. This growing preference is shifting how we think about everyday technology usage.

AI assistants such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini are gaining traction by offering diverse functionalities. They simplify tasks through voice commands and image recognition, expanding beyond basic app functions. In the coming year, 36% of users anticipate reliance on AI for most day-to-day tasks. Supporting third-party apps further drives this trend, enabling users to complete tasks within a single conversational interface.

Survey results show that AI assistants dominate in speed, with 83% of respondents affirming faster task completion compared to apps. 71% appreciate the capacity of AI to learn personal preferences over time. Despite this, apps maintain a stronghold in terms of consumer trust. Only 24% trust AI assistants with their data compared to 50% for traditional apps.

The survey also highlights task-specific preferences. AI assistants are favored for designing exercise plans by 46% of the respondents. Yet, apps remain the preferred choice for shopping and retail, with 63% opting for them to research products. Finance tasks see a pronounced app preference, with 67% choosing apps for mortgage rates. Meanwhile, news consumption leans slightly towards apps at 51%.

It is clear that traditional apps still hold relevance. Over the past year, 58% of respondents reported unchanged app usage, while 24% have increased their reliance on them. Loyalty programs and ease of browsing remain key advantages of traditional applications.

President of TELUS Digital Solutions, Tobias Dengel, notes a shift in consumer behavior towards AI’s speed and adaptability. He underscores the opportunity for brands to blend AI’s strengths with traditional app benefits, enhancing consumer experience through AI-powered applications. Brands that invest in integrating AI capabilities into apps will likely lead the way in offering seamless and personalized user interactions.

This trend is further pronounced among early technology adopters, with 52% having already switched to AI assistants from apps. Early and late adopters are expected to embrace AI further, with many considering transitioning more tasks to AI within the next year.

TELUS Digital provides consulting services in digital experiences, offering insights into AI and API integration with platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Their work emphasizes the potential for companies to enhance AI-enabled communication, ensuring technology keeps pace with consumer evolution.

As we approach 2026, both AI assistants and traditional apps play vital roles. Brands face a critical juncture, aiming to integrate the strengths of each to deliver richer, seamless experiences that meet diverse consumer expectations.

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