SILICON VALLEY, USA — Meta Platforms Inc. has taken another bold step in the artificial intelligence arena, officially launching a standalone Meta AI application that it says will serve as a personal assistant for users worldwide. The announcement coincides with a notable uptick in the usage of Meta’s generative AI technology, which the company now claims is being accessed by over one billion users monthly across its platforms.
Speaking during Meta’s annual shareholder meeting, CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized that the AI tool isn’t just embedded in the background of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—it’s becoming central to how users interact with those platforms. “We’re entering the era of personal AI,” Zuckerberg said. “It’s not just about answering questions—it’s about assisting with life.”
The new app allows users to engage directly with Meta AI through voice-driven interactions, offering a more customized and intuitive experience. Zuckerberg described it as a way to provide “always-on support” tailored to each individual’s needs, behaviors, and preferences.
This rollout comes as global tech firms are racing to define their roles in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. Google’s own efforts have been equally ambitious, with its Gemini AI assistant drawing in over 400 million users monthly, while its AI-powered summaries within search—rebranded as AI Overviews—are now reaching more than 1.5 billion people.
Meta’s Chief Financial Officer Susan Li noted that WhatsApp is driving much of the platform’s AI growth, with users increasingly turning to the messaging app for more than just chats. “We’re seeing strong momentum in markets where people want faster, more personal help without leaving the conversation,” Li said.
Despite the explosive growth in adoption, concerns remain across the industry about AI safety, disinformation, and a still-unsettled question of how these technologies will generate long-term revenue. Nevertheless, Meta is betting big, focusing its 2025 roadmap on expanding the assistant’s capabilities and integrating deeper into the daily digital routines of users.
With a standalone app now in the wild and user numbers swelling, Meta is signaling that its vision for AI isn’t just to follow trends—but to shape them.
