Back in late 2022, the rapid growth of ChatGPT caused great concerns among the shareholders of Alphabet. The conversational agent gained about 100 million users in the two months of its launch, therefore presenting a concrete challenge to the advertising system of Google Search.
The massive investment of Microsoft in OpenAI and its implementation to Binge was in parallel with the venture of Alphabet, the early AI chatbot Bard, which suffered significant flaws in its operations. This led people to worry more about the issue of user migration towards conversational AI websites and the fact that the main source of revenue of Alphabet would be lost.
Search Throne Stands Firm
Fast forward to early 2026, and Google Search continues to reign supreme. According to StatCounter, it controls 90% of the global search market. Bing has less than a 5% share.
This is why investors do not need to worry. ChatGPT was perhaps the most significant risk factor that Alphabet faced in recent memory. Google Search still generated $63.1 billion in revenue in 2025, up 17% year on year. The market capitalization of Alphabet stood at $3.8 trillion at a price of about $314.81 at the close of 20 February.
AI Fuels Growth
Within the earnings conference call, CEO Sundar Pichai has stated the following observation:
Search saw more usage in Q4 than ever before, as AI continues to drive an expansionary moment.
The introduction of features like AI Overviews, which are currently in utilization within more than 100 countries, has improved user satisfaction as well as query effectiveness without weakening the dominance of the platform.
Why Worry Fades
This fact highlights the competitive edge that Alphabet has over other competing organizations such as large data sets, technological superiority and the expansions of its distribution channels.
ChatGPT set a very strong example; nevertheless, Google showed the ability to adapt to the situation that saved it in its market niche.
Moving forward, it is possible to expect more ambitious AI projects in 2026, which should be able to continue increasing growth rates and prevent possible threats.