Meta's Muse AI tops iOS charts but faces user adoption hurdles
Meta's Muse AI personal assistant became the most downloaded free iOS app in the United States, yet surveys suggest most users are reluctant to grant it extensive access to personal data.
Meta's Muse AI personal assistant surged to the top of the free iOS app rankings in the United States after its launch earlier this month, recording more than 3.4 million downloads in a single week. The rapid uptake places Muse ahead of competitors such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and OpenAI's newly introduced Dots.
Analysts note that sustained growth may be limited by the behavioral changes required of ordinary users. Adoption of AI agents typically involves granting access to email accounts, credit-card details and social-media histories, a step many consumers are hesitant to take. A recent Thales poll found that only 13 percent of respondents would allow an AI to read their emails, and just seven percent would permit it to transfer money between bank accounts.
Privacy concerns have already surfaced. One user reported that Muse disclosed his home address to strangers on a marketplace platform, raising questions about the assistant's data-handling practices. Critics also point to Meta's historical challenges in protecting user information.
Industry observers argue that while the download numbers are impressive, broader acceptance of AI personal assistants will depend on addressing security worries and demonstrating clear value to everyday users.