ChatGPT has become the overwhelming favorite AI tool in Australia, with 10.5 million users compared to just 5 million for Google Gemini and 4 million for Microsoft Copilot. A new study from Roy Morgan Research reveals that 13.6 million Australians, equivalent to 58 percent of the population aged 14 and older, now use AI tools in an average four-week period.

The research surveyed over 14,600 Australians across the first quarter of 2026, providing a comprehensive snapshot of how different age groups are embracing artificial intelligence. The findings paint a picture of rapid mainstream adoption, but also expose a significant generational gap in how Australians are engaging with these emerging technologies.

Which Age Groups Are Driving AI Tool Usage?

The data reveals a striking pattern: middle-aged Australians are the most enthusiastic adopters of AI tools. People aged 25 to 34 lead the way, with 74 percent using AI tools regularly, followed closely by those aged 35 to 49 at 72 percent. This is somewhat surprising, as younger Australians aged 18 to 24 trail behind at 68 percent, and teenagers aged 14 to 17 use these tools at a rate of 66 percent.

The adoption cliff becomes dramatic for older Australians. Only 50 percent of people aged 50 to 64 use AI tools, and the figure plummets to just 31 percent for those aged 65 and older. This generational divide suggests that while AI has achieved mainstream status in Australia, it remains far from universal, particularly among older demographics.

How Does ChatGPT's Popularity Compare Across Age Groups?

ChatGPT's dominance is consistent across nearly all age groups, but the intensity of adoption varies. Among people aged 25 to 34, 62 percent use ChatGPT, the highest rate of any demographic. Teenagers aged 14 to 17 come in a close second at 59 percent, alongside people aged 18 to 24 and those aged 35 to 49, all at 59 percent.

Google Gemini shows more variation by age. It reaches its peak adoption among teenagers aged 14 to 17 and people aged 35 to 49, both at 27 percent, while younger adults aged 25 to 34 use it at 25 percent. Fewer than one in five people aged 50 and older have adopted Gemini.

Microsoft Copilot presents an interesting exception to the broader trend. People aged 35 to 49 are most likely to use it at 24 percent, followed by those aged 25 to 34 at 21 percent. Notably, Copilot is the only major AI tool more popular with people aged 50 to 64 at 18 percent than with teenagers aged 14 to 17 at 13 percent or young adults aged 18 to 24 at 11 percent.

What Are the Key Takeaways About AI Tool Adoption in Australia?

• ChatGPT Dominance: OpenAI's ChatGPT is used by 45 percent of all Australians aged 14 and older, more than twice the usage rate of any competing AI tool, making it the clear market leader.
• Middle-Age Peak Adoption: Australians aged 25 to 49 show the highest rates of AI tool usage at 72 to 74 percent, suggesting this demographic is most comfortable integrating AI into their daily lives.
• Steep Decline After 50: AI tool adoption drops significantly for people aged 50 and older, with usage falling from 50 percent for those aged 50 to 64 to just 31 percent for those aged 65 and older.
• Canva and Claude Remain Niche: Anthropic's Claude reaches only 3 percent of Australians, while Canva's Magic Studio, which offers AI design capabilities, is used by 6 percent of the population.

"Artificial Intelligence software has taken the world by storm over the past few years, and the latest research from Roy Morgan shows 13.6 million Australians, or 58 percent of people aged 14 and older, are now using AI tools in an average four weeks," said Michele Levine, Roy Morgan CEO.

Michele Levine, CEO at Roy Morgan

The research underscores how rapidly AI has moved from niche technology to mainstream tool in Australia. With more than half the population now using these systems regularly, the technology has achieved a level of cultural penetration that seemed unlikely just a few years ago. However, the stark age-related differences suggest that digital literacy, comfort with new technology, and perhaps skepticism about AI's benefits remain significant barriers for older Australians.

The dominance of ChatGPT is particularly noteworthy. At 45 percent adoption, it has achieved a level of market penetration that rivals or exceeds many established consumer software products. Its lead over competitors is substantial enough that it appears to have become the default choice for most Australians exploring AI tools for the first time.

The variation in how different age groups adopt specific tools also hints at different use cases. Microsoft Copilot's relative strength among older users may reflect its integration with productivity software like Office 365, which this demographic is more likely to use professionally. Similarly, Gemini's appeal to teenagers could reflect its integration with Google Search, which younger users rely on heavily.

As AI tools continue to evolve and become more capable, the question of whether these age-related adoption gaps will persist remains open. The technology industry will likely focus on making these tools more intuitive and relevant to older demographics, but cultural factors and trust in AI may prove to be the real limiting factors in closing the generational divide.