Italy’s data protection authority has fined Meta €805 million ($887 million) over Facebook’s access to Android users’ private photos and videos. The regulator found that Facebook accessed gallery files without obtaining specific consent or clearly explaining its data collection practices.
Announced on November 14, 2026, the decision has raised fresh concerns about Meta’s user privacy policies. Italy’s privacy watchdog also ordered Meta to disable the feature by default. The company must obtain separate user consent before accessing private photos and videos.
The investigation found that Facebook could access users’ entire photo libraries through a general app permission. However, users received limited information about the scope of access and how Meta could use their personal media.
What Led to Italy’s $887 Million Fine Against Meta
The €805 million fine against Meta concerns a Facebook feature called “Get suggestions from gallery while browsing Facebook.” Launched in 2023, the feature recommended photos and videos from Android devices for sharing on Facebook.
However, Italy’s data protection authority found that Meta accessed these personal files without obtaining specific user consent. Facebook relied on one general permission that covered several app functions with different purposes.
The regulator also criticized Facebook’s notification for enabling additional features. The message failed to explain that granting permission could give Facebook access to users’ private photo galleries.
Another major concern was that the feature remained enabled by default. After users granted general permission, Facebook could access their entire photo libraries, potentially on an ongoing basis.
Italy’s privacy authority said this practice violated Article 122 of the country’s Privacy Code. The provision protects information stored on smartphones under European ePrivacy rules. It requires companies to obtain users’ free and informed consent before accessing information stored on their devices.
Around 20 Million Android Users in Italy Could Be Affected
The investigation started in July 2025 after Italy’s Consumer Protection Centre of Bolzano filed a complaint. The country’s data protection authority then examined how Facebook accessed photos and videos stored on Android devices.
According to the regulator, approximately 20 million Android users in Italy could have been affected by this practice. Italy’s privacy authority considered several factors before calculating Meta’s €805 million penalty.
These included the number of affected users, the duration of the violation and Meta’s previous regulatory history. The authority also considered a previous decision involving the company in 2019.
The regulator also raised concerns about Meta’s limited cooperation during the investigation. Although Meta introduced changes after the complaint, authorities considered these steps late and insufficient. The €805 million penalty represents approximately 0.47% of Meta’s global revenue.
Meta Must Change Facebook’s Photo Access Settings
Along with the €805 million fine, Italy’s privacy regulator has given Meta 60 days to change Facebook’s gallery access settings.
Meta must introduce a separate consent request for the photo suggestion feature. The company must clearly explain why Facebook needs gallery access and what information it collects. Users must also receive clear instructions on disabling the feature whenever they choose.
Additionally, Meta must keep the feature turned off by default for all users. This requirement also applies to people who previously granted broader permissions through Android.
The regulator has also set deadlines for Meta to report its compliance measures. The company must explain its initial actions within 30 days. It must then submit a report detailing completed changes within 90 days.
If Meta fails to meet these requirements, Facebook cannot activate the feature without valid user consent.
Italy’s Investigation Did Not Examine Meta’s AI Training Practices
Italy’s investigation has raised broader concerns about how technology companies access personal photos and videos stored on smartphones. However, the regulator clarified that its review did not examine whether Meta used this content to train its artificial intelligence models.
According to the authority, Meta denied using users’ photos and videos for AI training purposes. The regulator also indicated that it could separately investigate another Facebook feature introduced in 2026. This feature allows the company to process photos and videos from users’ galleries through cloud services.
A separate investigation could bring further attention to Meta’s data collection practices. It may also examine how the company handles personal photos stored on devices and processed through its services.
Italy’s Fine Raises New Questions About Meta’s Data Privacy
The €805 million fine creates another regulatory challenge for Meta as European authorities increase scrutiny of digital privacy practices. Governments across the region are paying closer attention to how technology companies collect and use personal data.
Meta was not immediately available for comment following the announcement. The company must now address Italy’s regulatory requirements and change Facebook’s gallery access settings for Android users.
The decision also highlights the importance of informed consent when apps request access to personal information. Users should understand what data applications can access before granting permissions. This becomes particularly important when permissions involve sensitive content, including private photos and videos.
For Meta, the case could influence its wider approach to user privacy and personal data collection. Other technology companies may also face greater scrutiny over how their applications access information stored on users’ devices.
Elon Musk has warned that Nvidia could lose major business deals following the departure of CEO Jensen Huang. He believes the company’s success depends partly on the strong relationships Huang has built with customers and business partners.
In a post on X on November 14, Musk said several important Nvidia deals relied on personal trust rather than formal contracts. He suggested that Huang’s departure could put these business agreements at risk.
Musk also praised Huang for managing Nvidia’s supply chain and maintaining strong industry relationships. He highlighted how personal connections have helped Nvidia secure important partnerships and business agreements. His comments raise questions about whether Nvidia can maintain these relationships under new leadership.
Jensen Huang’s Departure Creates Uncertainty at Nvidia
Jensen Huang’s departure marks a major leadership change for Nvidia, which has become one of the world’s most valuable technology companies. Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and led the company for more than three decades.
Under his leadership, Nvidia evolved from a graphics chip maker into a major supplier of artificial intelligence processors. Its chips now support data centres, cloud computing and advanced AI systems worldwide.
Following his departure, Nvidia CFO Colette Kress took over as interim CEO while the board searched for a permanent replacement. Longtime board member Harvey Jones also assumed the role of chairman.
Huang’s exit has raised questions about Nvidia’s future leadership and business strategy. His strong relationships with major customers and technology companies could also affect the company’s ability to maintain important partnerships.
Elon Musk Had Previously Expressed His Interest in Hiring Jensen Huang
Elon Musk had previously shown interest in hiring Jensen Huang before Nvidia announced the leadership change. His comments have gained attention following reports of Huang’s departure from the company.
Musk’s interest comes as his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, continue investing in artificial intelligence and computing technology. Tesla is developing its own AI chips to support autonomous driving, robotics and other advanced applications.
Huang’s experience in chip manufacturing, AI hardware and supply chain management could benefit these projects. However, Musk has not announced any formal job offer or confirmed a potential role for Huang.
Nvidia Faces More Challenges in the Chinese AI Chip Market
Jensen Huang’s departure comes as Nvidia faces growing challenges in China due to US restrictions on advanced AI chip exports. These restrictions have limited the company’s ability to sell its most advanced processors to Chinese customers.
A Reuters investigation published on November 13 identified more than $3 billion worth of Chinese computing projects involving restricted Nvidia processors. The investigation reviewed over 150 procurement notices, investment plans, construction contracts and company disclosures.
The identified projects and equipment agreements were worth more than 23 billion yuan, approximately $3.2 billion. This figure includes planned investments, signed contracts and completed installations across China’s computing infrastructure. It covers data centre buildings, power systems and related facilities, rather than Nvidia chips alone.
This shows that Chinese companies continue to seek Nvidia hardware despite strict US semiconductor export restrictions. Huang’s departure could create additional challenges as US lawmakers consider tighter controls on technology exports to China.
He had previously spoken against excessive restrictions that could limit Nvidia’s access to the Chinese market. His exit could also reduce Nvidia’s influence in discussions about future US export policies.
Nvidia’s Next Challenge Is Protecting Its Major Business Partnerships
Nvidia now faces the challenge of protecting its business relationships and market position during this leadership transition. The company must maintain customer confidence and reassure investors about its future business plans.
Musk’s warning points to a possible risk beyond Nvidia’s financial performance and market value. Many important business relationships have developed over several years, with Huang playing a major role in building them.
However, it is still unclear whether Huang’s departure will lead to lost contracts or business partnerships. Nvidia’s strong position in the AI chip market, established customer base and advanced technology could help protect its existing deals.
The coming months will reveal whether Nvidia can maintain its key partnerships without Huang’s leadership. Its ability to retain customer trust could play an important role in shaping the company’s future growth.
Shopify has become one of the leading e-commerce platforms for businesses looking to sell products online. It allows businesses of all sizes to create online stores, manage products, and accept payments. Over the years, Shopify has expanded its presence across different countries and industries.
As of November 2026, there are approximately 3.25 million active Shopify stores worldwide. The United States has the largest share of Shopify stores, followed by the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. In this article, we are going to take a look at the latest Shopify statistics for 2026 to understand its global growth, store numbers, popular product categories, leading markets and more.
Key Shopify Stores Statistics 2026
There are approximately 3.25 million active Shopify stores worldwide as of November 2026.
The United States leads the global Shopify market, with 1,269,853 stores, accounting for 39.1% of the total.
The United Kingdom ranks second in the global Shopify market, with 244,832 Shopify stores.
Apparel is the most popular Shopify store category, with 880,646 stores.
Around 4.8 million online stores worldwide utilize the e-commerce platform Shopify.
79% of Shopify’s total traffic is acquired through mobile devices.
Across 175 countries there are 4.80 million websites powered by Shopify.
Shopify had 3,108,808 active stores in Q3 2026, showing continued growth throughout the year.
How Many Shopify Stores Are There in 2026?
There are approximately 3.25 million active online stores using Shopify worldwide as of November 2026. The platform continues to grow as businesses use it to launch online stores, manage products, and sell through multiple channels.
According to the Store Leads report, Shopify has 3,245,947 active stores worldwide. The number of stores increased by approximately 15% year over year in Q3 2026.
Number of Active Shopify Stores Worldwide (2019 to 2026)
The number of active Shopify stores worldwide has increased steadily over the past few years. In the first quarter of 2019, Shopify had around 753,977 active stores. This number crossed 2 million in 2023 and reached over 2.8 million by the end of 2025.
In 2026, the number of Shopify stores continued to grow, reaching 3,108,808 in Q3. By Q4 2026, the figure had reached 3,245,949 stores so far. These statistics show the continued growth of Shopify as a popular e-commerce platform for businesses selling products online.
Apparel is the most popular Shopify store category, accounting for 880,646 online stores worldwide in 2026. According to Store Leads, around 27.1% of Shopify stores sell clothing and fashion products.
Home & Garden ranks second, with 414,877 stores, representing 12.8% of the total. Beauty & Fitness comes third, with 351,560 stores and a 10.8% share. Other popular Shopify product categories include Food & Drink, Health, Sports, Pets & Animals, and Toys & Hobbies. These statistics show that clothing, home products, and beauty items are among the leading product categories sold through Shopify stores.
Shopify Store Category
Number of Stores
Apparel
880,646
Home & Garden
414,877
Beauty & Fitness
351,560
Food & Drink
219,800
Health
145,142
People & Society
127,612
Sports
120,469
Arts & Entertainment
109,635
Pets & Animals
87,061
Toys & Hobbies
86,449
Autos & Vehicles
76,541
Business & Industrial
71,414
Consumer Electronics
62,665
Gifts & Special Events
60,693
Computers
50,729
Games
34,126
Books & Literature
28,833
Travel
22,310
Jobs & Education
20,671
Top Countries by Number of Shopify Stores
The United States has the largest number of Shopify stores worldwide, with 1,269,853 stores, accounting for 39.1% of the total. The United Kingdom ranks second, with 244,832 Shopify stores, representing 7.5% of the total.
Canada follows with 149,947 stores, while Australia has 142,651 stores. India also has a growing presence, with 130,450 active Shopify stores. Other countries with a large number of Shopify stores include France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy. These statistics show that the United States remains the leading market for Shopify, while the platform also has a strong presence across Europe, Asia, and other regions.
When it comes to Shopify Merchants North America is the leading region with 875,000 Shopify merchants. Followed by Europe, Middle East, and Africa in the second position with 437,282 Shopify merchants.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the number of Shopify merchants based on Region.
Region
Number of Shopify Merchants
North America
875,000
Europe, Middle East, and Africa
437,282
Asia Pacific and China
262,460
Canada
105,136
Latin America
70,111
Market Share of Shopify in the U.S.
There has been significant growth in the market share of Shopify in the U.S. Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the market share of Shopify in the United States from 2018 to 2023:
Year
Market Share of Shopify
2023
28%
2022
29%
2021
19%
2020
30%
2019
23%
2018
18%
Shopify Online Stores Worldwide by Product Category
The popular e-commerce platform Shopify is utilized by a wide range of businesses and companies from different sectors worldwide. As of June 2023, the Apparel sector is the leading product category with the highest number of stores (520,321). Followed by the Home and Garden category in the second position with 221,381 stores.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the number of stores running on Shopify based on product category:
Over the last few years, there has been significant growth in the market capitalization of Shopify from 2.05 billion U.S. Dollars in 2015 to reaching a milestone of 96.35 billion U.S. Dollars in 2024, Shopify has come a long way.
This e-commerce platform witnessed a year-on-year growth of 200% in 2019 and 2020 which led to a peak in market capitalization in 2021 with 171.57 billion U.S. Dollars. The global pandemic can be regarded as one of the top reasons behind such massive growth in the e-commerce industry. Shopify witnessed a significant decrease in its market capitalization in 2022 after the pandemic-related restrictions were lifted from most countries worldwide.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the market capitalization of Shopify from 2015 to 2024:
During the third quarter of 2023, Shopify generated a revenue of $1.7 billion worldwide. It also generated a revenue of $1.69 billion during the second quarter of 2023 and $1.50 billion in the first quarter of 2023.
Below we have mentioned a table displaying Shopify’s revenue from 2020 to 2023 to help you understand its growth over the years:
Shopify has witnessed excellent growth in its buyers over the last few years. As of 2023, there are 700 million Shopify buyers worldwide and 649 million in 2022.
Below we have mentioned a table displaying Shopify customer statistics over the years:
Year
Buyers
2014
28 million
2015
57 million
2016
100 million
2017
163 million
2018
216 million
2019
300 million
2020
457 million
2021
572 million
2022
649 million
2023
700 million
Shopify GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume)
Shopify’s gross merchandise volume refers to the total value of the merchandise sold during a particular period. As of the first three quarters of 2023, Shopify has sold $160.8 Billion of gross merchandise volume. The GMV of Shopify in 2022 was $197.3 Billion and $175.4 Billion in 2021.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing Shopify’s GMV from 2012 to 2023:
Year
Shopify GMV
2012
$707.4 Million
2013
$1.62 Billion
2014
$3.76 Billion
2015
$7.7 Billion
2016
$15.37 Billion
2017
$26.32 Billion
2018
$41.1 Billion
2019
$61.14 Billion
2020
$119.58 Billion
2021
$175.4 Billion
2022
$197.3 Billion
2023 (As of Q3)
$160.8 Billion
Shopify Revenue by Region
Shopify generated a revenue of $2.15 Billion U.S. Dollars from the North American region itself which includes the USA, Canada, and Mexico and it accounted for a total sale of 73.3% worldwide. Around $780 million of revenue was generated from regions outside North America. Europe, the Middle East, and Africa were the second leading regions with the highest Shopify revenue of $454.27 million accounting for 15.5% of total sales.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing Shopify’s revenue from different regions of the world:
Region
Revenue
North America
$2.15 Billion
Europe, Middle East & Africa
$454.27 Million
Asia Pacific & China
$292.24 Million
Latin America
$36.16 Million
Now, let’s take a look at the total share of Shopify revenue from different regions of the world:
Region
Share of Revenue
North America
73.3%
Europe, Middle East & Africa
15.5%
Asia Pacific & China
10%
Latin America
1.2%
Shopify Plus Statistics
Shopify Plus was released in February 2014, it was specially designed for large e-commerce businesses as it offers various advanced features and support for an enhanced experience. As of January 2024, there are over 48,426 Shopify plus stores available across 175 countries.
The United States is currently the leading country with the highest number of Shopify Plus Stores by 28,210. Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the top countries with the highest Shopify Plus stores:
As of 2023, the Shopify app store has more than 8000 applications available in numerous categories to help companies and businesses customize their stores. There is a total of 100 checkpoint reviews that each Shopify application has to go through before it is released on the Shopify app store.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing Shopify apps from 2015 to 2023:
Year
Shopify Apps
2015
900
2016
1,400
2017
2,300
2018
2,500
2019
3,700
2020
6,000
2021
7,000
2022
Data Unavailable
2023
Over 8,000
Most Successful Shopify Stores
Here is a breakdown of the top 10 most successful shopify stores:
The Merchant solution revenue includes referral fees, POS hardware sales, payment processing fees, and advertising-generated revenue. As of the first three quarters of 2023, Shopify’s merchant solution revenue is $3.6 Billion.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing Shopify’s Merchant Solution Revenue from 2012 to 2023:
Year
Revenue
2012
$4.51 Million
2013
$11.91 Million
2014
$38.35 Million
2015
$93.25 Million
2016
$200.72 Million
2017
$363.27 Million
2018
$608.23 Million
2019
$933.93 Million
2020
$2.02 Billion
2021
$3.26 Billion
2022
$4.1 Billion
2023 (As of Q3)
$3.6 Billion
Below we have mentioned an overview of the revenue share from Merchant Solutions in Shopify’s overall revenue from 2012 to 2022.
Year
Growth %
2012
19.02%
2013
23.7%
2014
36.52%
2015
45.44%
2016
51.56%
2017
53.95%
2018
56.54%
2019
59.35%
2020
68.99%
2021
62%
2022
73.21%
Wrapping Up
The latest Shopify statistics show the platform’s continued growth in the global e-commerce market. With approximately 3.25 million active Shopify stores worldwide, it remains a popular choice for businesses selling products online. The United States leads in the number of Shopify stores, while Apparel, Home & Garden, and Beauty & Fitness are the most popular product categories. As more businesses move towards online selling, Shopify is expected to remain an important platform for e-commerce businesses worldwide.
The internet has become an essential part of everyday life, connecting billions of people worldwide. People use the internet for various activities, including social media, online banking, digital payments, shopping, communication, and entertainment. It also provides access to information, education, and services across different countries.
According to the latest data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), approximately 6.3 billion people worldwide are using the internet in 2026. This represents 76% of the global population.
In this article, we explore the latest internet usage statistics for 2026, including the number of internet users worldwide, adoption rates, and differences in internet access across countries and income groups.
Key Internet Usage Statistics
There are 6.3 billion people using the Internet worldwide in 2026.
Around 76% of the global population is connected to the Internet.
Approximately 2 billion people remain offline worldwide.
Global Internet users increased from 6.1 billion in 2025 to 6.3 billion in 2026.
Internet usage reaches 93% in high-income countries, compared with 32% in low-income countries.
The Average time spent by an internet user globally is 6 hours and 35 minutes daily.
More than 60% of the internet traffic comes from mobile devices.
Eastern Asia is the leading region with the highest percentage of internet users worldwide.
Users aged 25 to 34 years old have the highest percentage of internet usage 35.6%.
Out of 5.44 billion internet users, 5.07 billion users access social media.
China is the leading country with the highest number of internet users 1.05 billion worldwide.
How Many People Use the Internet in 2026?
As of November 2026, approximately 6.3 billion people worldwide use the internet, representing 76% of the global population, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This means nearly three out of every four people worldwide have access to the internet.
Global Internet Users Growth
Global Internet usage continued to grow in 2026, with 6.3 billion people worldwide using the Internet, accounting for 76% of the global population. This represents an increase from 6.1 billion users in 2025, when 74% of people had Internet access.
The number of Internet users grew by approximately 200 million in just one year. However, around 2 billion people worldwide remained offline in 2026, showing that Internet access is still not available to everyone.
Internet usage differs widely across countries, depending on income levels and access to digital services. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 93% of people in high-income countries used the Internet in 2026. In comparison, Internet usage stood at just 32% in low-income countries.
This creates a gap of 61 percentage points between the two income groups. High Internet costs, limited network coverage, and poor infrastructure continue to restrict access in low-income countries. As a result, millions of people still lack access to online information, education, and other digital services.
Country Income Group
Internet Users
High-income countries
93%
Low-income countries
32%
Internet Usage by Region Worldwide
Internet usage varies significantly across regions, with Europe and North America recording some of the highest adoption rates in October 2025. According to DataReportal, Northern Europe had the highest Internet usage rate at 97.7%, followed by Western Europe at 95.1% and Northern America at 93.3%.
Eastern Europe and Southern Europe also recorded high rates of 92.7% and 91.6%, respectively. In contrast, Eastern Africa had the lowest Internet usage at 26%, followed by Middle Africa at 33.5% and Western Africa at 42.9%. The global average stood at 73.2%, highlighting the significant differences in Internet access across regions.
China is the leading country with the highest number of internet users worldwide at 1.05 billion.
Followed by India in the second position with 692 million internet users, and the United States in the third position with 311.3 million internet users.
Below we have mentioned a table highlighting the top internet users by country:
As of April 2024, 67.1% of the global population was accessing the internet. Over the years, there has been significant growth in the number of users accessing the internet. Back in 2014, only 35% of the global population was accessing the internet.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the share of the global population using the Internet from 2014 to 2024:
As of the fourth quarter of 2023, the average daily time spent by users accessing the internet was 6 hours and 35 minutes. There has been a decrease of 1% compared to the previous quarter which has a daily average of 6 hours and forty minutes.
Below we have mentioned a detailed table showcasing the average daily time spent by users accessing the internet:
According to reports by April 2023, the share of women accessing the internet globally is low in comparison to men. The latest data revealed that 64.4% of women worldwide were accessing the internet, while the share of men was 69.8%.
As of February 2024, 35.6% of total internet usage individuals globally were between 25 to 34 years old. Followed by individuals between the ages 35 to 44 as the second leading age group with 24% and young adults aged between 18 to 24 in the third position with 19% of the total internet usage.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the percentage of internet usage globally based on Age group:
Number of Internet and social media users worldwide
As of April 2024, the total number of Internet users was recorded to be 67.1% of the world population. About 5.44 billion users are Internet users and of this total, about 5.07 billion users access Social Media.
Over the years, there has been a significant increase in the percentage of users spending time on the internet on smartphones. Similarly, with the rise in users accessing mobile for internet usage, there has been a decrease in the usage of computers to access the internet on a daily basis.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, about 58% of the total daily time spent by internet users was through their mobile devices which includes smartphones and feature phones. While 42.2% of the time spent was through computers. The picture was quite different in 2017, where 54.4% of users utilized computers to access the internet, while the percentage of users utilizing mobile was 45.6%.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the share of daily internet time globally based on devices:
As of 2023, there were 347.3 billion emails exchanged by internet users per day and these numbers are expected to keep growing over the years. In 2024, the number of emails exchanged is projected to reach 361.6 billion. The figures are also expected to reach a milestone of 392.5 billion by 2026.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the number of emails exchanged by Internet users over the years:
In this section, we are going to take a look at the internet usage statistics in the United States. We are going to highlight the total number of internet users, penetration rate, gender, and more.
Number of Internet Users in the US
As of 2024, the number of internet users in the United States was 323,56 million, and based on the latest reports the numbers are expected to witness excellent growth in upcoming years. The number of internet users in the U.S. is projected to reach 343.48 million in 2029.
Here is a breakdown of the number of internet users in the United States from 2020 to 2029:
Year
Number of Internet Users In The US
2029*
343.48 million
2028*
340.46 million
2027*
336.6 million
2026*
332.51 million
2025*
328.16 million
2024
323.56 million
2023
318.66 million
2022
313.6 million
2021
308.6 million
2020
301.78 million
Internet users in the U.S. by gender
The percentage of internet users in the United States based on gender is pretty equal. In 2023, the share of male internet users was low in comparison to females. The latest data revealed 96% of females were accessing the internet in the United States, while the share for male users was 94%.
Here is a breakdown of internet users in the U.S. by gender:
Year
Male
Female
2023
94%
96%
2021
94%
93%
2019
90%
91%
2018
89%
88%
2016
89%
86%
2015
86%
86%
2014
84%
84%
2013
84%
84%
2012
83%
82%
Mobile Internet User Statistics
In this section, we are going to take an in-depth look at the statistics related to Mobile internet users.
Number of mobile internet users in the U.S.
As of 2023, the number of mobile internet users in the United States reached 295.46 million. With constant demand and need for the internet all across the world, the number of mobile internet users is expected to witness significant growth over the years. Number of mobile internet users is projected to reach a milestone of 333.18 million by 2029.
Here is a breakdown of the Number of mobile internet users in the United States:
Year
Number of Mobile Internet Users
2029*
333.18 million
2028*
330.25 million
2027*
326.5 million
2026*
322.53 million
2025*
318.32 million
2024*
311.36 million
2023
295.46 million
2022
279.04 million
2021
262.31 million
2020
250.45 million
Penetration Rate of mobile internet users in the U.S.
The Penetration rate of mobile internet users in the United States was 85.39% in 2023 and the numbers are projected to witness a significant growth over the years. The Penetration rate of mobile internet users is expected to reach 86.26% in 2024 and by 2029 the percentage is expected to reach a milestone of 89.2% in the United States.
Here is a breakdown of mobile internet users penetration rate in the United States:
Year
Penetration Rate
2029*
89.2%
2028*
88.75%
2027*
88.24%
2026*
87.66%
2025*
87.01%
2024*
86.26%
2023
85.39%
2022
84.37%
2021
83.15%
2020
81.74%
The smallest population to have internet access in the U.S. is Rural America
According to research by the Pew Research Centre, the rural areas of the United States have the smallest population to have access to the internet by 93%. The urban area in the U.S. has 95% of the internet access and the suburban area has 97% access to the internet across the U.S.
Social Media Statistics
The total number of internet users in 2024 is 5.44 billion out of which 5.04 billion social media users worldwide as of 2024. In 2023, the number of social media users was 4.90 billion, and in 2022 it was 4.59 billion.
Here is a breakdown of the number of social media users over the years:
Year
Number of Social Media Users
2024
5.04 billion
2023
4.90 billion
2022
4.59 billion
2021
4.26 billion
2020
3.9 billion
2019
3.51 billion
2018
3.1 billion
2017
2.73 billion
Active Internet users on different social media platforms
Out of 5.44 billion internet users worldwide, 5.07 billion internet users access Social media. Facebook is currently the most-used social media platform among internet users with 3.05 billion users. Followed by YouTube in the second position with 2.49 billion users and WhatsApp and Instagram in the third and fourth position with 2 billion users respectively.
Below we have mentioned a table listing down most-used social media platforms among internet users worldwide:
Social Media Platform
Number of Users
Facebook
3.05 billion
Youtube
2.49 billion
Whatsapp
2 billion
Instagram
2 billion
TikTok
1.56 billion
WeChat
1.34 billion
Facebook Messenger
979 million
Telegram
800 million
Snapchat
750 million
How Internet Users Access Internet by Device
Mobile phones are the most popular device utilized by users to access the internet with 92.3%. Followed by laptops and desktops in the second position by 65.6%.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing how internet users access the internet based on devices:
Device
Share of Users
Mobile phone (any)
92.3%
Laptop or desktop (any)
65.6%
Smartphone
91%
Feature phone
5.2%
Tablet device
27.3%
Own laptop or desktop
59.1%
Work laptop or desktop
28.6%
Connected television
31.9%
Smart home device
15.4%
Games console
12.7%
Most popular reasons for using the Internet worldwide
According to a report by Statista, finding information is the most popular reason (60.3%) behind users accessing the internet globally. Followed by connecting with family and friends as the second most popular reason behind users accessing the internet by 56.8%.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the top reasons behind users accessing the internet worldwide:
6.3 billion people are using the internet in 2026 worldwide, which amounts to 76% of the world population.
Which country has the highest number of internet users?
China has the highest number of internet users worldwide with an estimated 1.05 billion internet users based on a report by Statista.
What is the internet used for most?
Finding information is the top characteristic by 60.3% for which the internet is used the most. Followed by staying in touch with friends and family as the second top reason at 56.8%, and watching online content as the third most popular reason behind users accessing the internet at 52.3%.
How many internet users are there in India?
The number of internet users in India is expected to reach 900 million by 2025 witnessing a rise of 141 million from the current 759 million users.
What happens in an internet minute in 2026?
Multiple things happen on the internet every minute in 2026. Millions of people check their emails, send out messages, perform online shopping, scroll through social media, watch videos, and much more. In addition, the time spent by users online on the internet is increasing every year with a 30% rise in online content consumption rate since the previous year.
Who uses the internet the most age?
The age group 25 to 34 uses the internet the most, with 35.6%, followed by the Age group 35 to 44, which has an internet usage rate of 24%.
Which country is no 1 in Internet speed?
Monaco is number one in internet speed with the leading broadband speed of 261.82 Mbps. Followed by Singapore in the second position with a broadband speed of 255.83 Mbps.
Wrapping Up
The above statistics highlight how the internet has become an essential part of everyday life, with approximately 6.3 billion people using it worldwide in 2026. People across the globe rely on the internet for social media, education, online shopping, banking, communication, and entertainment. However, around 2 billion people still remain offline, highlighting the gap in global internet access. Although internet adoption continues to grow, improving connectivity and affordability remains important to bring more people online.
Roblox is one of the most popular online gaming platforms, developed and operated by Roblox Corporation. It allows users to create, share, and play games developed by themselves or other players.
Over the years, Roblox has built a large global gaming community through its user-generated games and interactive experiences. As of Q2 2026, the platform has 123 million daily active users worldwide and recorded 381.8 million monthly active users in 2025.
In this article, we explore the latest Roblox statistics for 2026, including its revenue, daily and monthly active users, user engagement, most popular games, and other key gaming trends.
Key Roblox Statistics 2026
Roblox recorded 138 million daily active users worldwide in Q3 2026, up from 123 million in Q2 2026.
Roblox’s reported monthly active user estimate reached 381.8 million in 2025.
Brookhaven RP was the most visited Roblox game as of September 2026, with approximately 87.91 billion lifetime visits.
The European region has the largest number of Roblox daily active users at 26.9%.
The second region with the largest number of daily active users in Roblox is Asia-Pacific at 23.1%.
53% of users accessing Roblox are Males, with only 39% of females.
Roblox has over 500 million downloads globally on both Android and iOS platforms combined.
60% of the Roblox users are below 16.
There are currently 300 million monthly active users.
How Many People Play Roblox Worldwide?
As of Q2 2026, approximately 123 million people play Roblox games daily worldwide, according to Statista. There is a decline from 132 million daily active users in Q1 2026 and 152 million in Q3 2025. Despite the recent decline, Roblox continues to attract a large global audience across different age groups.
Roblox has experienced significant user growth over the past several years. In Q4 2018, the platform had just 13.7 million daily active users worldwide. This number increased to 23.6 million in Q1 2020 and reached 37.1 million by Q4 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic helped accelerate this growth as more people turned to online games for entertainment and social interaction.
The platform continued expanding its player base after the pandemic. Roblox crossed 50 million daily active users in 2022 and reached 71.5 million in Q4 2023. Its daily audience increased to 85.3 million in Q4 2024 before crossing 150 million in Q3 2025. Although daily active users have declined in recent quarters, Roblox still attracts considerably more players than it did before the pandemic.
Roblox Monthly Active Users
Roblox had 381.8 million monthly active users (MAU) worldwide in 2025, making it one of the most popular online gaming platforms globally. According to the available data, Roblox monthly active users increased from 30 million in 2016 to 113 million in 2019.
The platform experienced faster growth in 2020, reaching 170 million monthly active users as more people turned to online gaming during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its global user base continued expanding, crossing 226 million in 2021 and 300 million in 2023.
By 2024, Roblox had approximately 380 million monthly active users. This growth highlights the platform’s increasing popularity and its ability to attract players worldwide through user-created games, social features, and interactive experiences.
As of December 2023, 53% of users who were accessing Roblox were found to be Males. The percentage of females accessing Roblox was 39% and 8% of the users were unknown.
Here is a breakdown of the Roblox users by gender:
Europe is the leading region with the highest number of Daily Active Users at 26.9%, followed by Asia-Pacific in the second place at 23.1% and the US & Canada in the third place with 22.4% of DAU.
Region
Daily Active Users
US & Canada
22.4%
Europe
26.9%
Asia-Pacific
23.1%
Rest of the world
27.6%
Below we have mentioned a detailed table showcasing the daily active users of Roblox from different regions of the world:
Quarters & Year
USA & Canada
Europe
APAC
Rest Of The World
Quarter 1 2020
7.8 million
7 million
3.7 million
5.2 million
Quarter 2 2020
11.4 million
9.9 million
4.6 million
7.4 million
Quarter 3 2020
11.5 million
10.4 million
5.4 million
9 million
Quarter 4 2020
11.3 million
10.9 million
5.6 million
9.4 million
Quarter 1 2021
12.6 million
12.5 million
6.5 million
10.6 million
Quarter 2 2021
12.1 million
11.8 million
7.2 million
12.1 million
Quarter 3 2021
12.2 million
11.9 million
9.4 million
13.8 million
Quarter 4 2021
11.2 million
13.4 million
11.2 million
13.7 million
Quarter 1 2022
12.4 million
15 million
12.6 million
14.2 million
Quarter 2 2022
12.4 million
14.1 million
12.3 million
13.4 million
Quarter 3 2022
14.2 million
15.5 million
13.2 million
15.9 million
Quarter 4 2022
13.3 million
16.6 million
13.6 million
15.3 million
Quarter 1 2023
14.3 million
19 million
14.9 million
17.9 million
Quarter 2 2023
14.2 million
18.2 million
15.5 million
17.7 million
Quarter 3 2023
15.7 million
18.9 million
16.2 million
19.4 million
Roblox Users Engagement Rate (from 2020 to 2023)
The Global Engagement rate of Roblox during the fourth quarter of 2023 was accumulated to be 15.5 million. Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the Roblox engagement rate worldwide from 2020 to 2023:
The largest number of Roblox Engagement hours comes from Europe with 12.048 billion hours, followed by the United States in the second position with 11.011 billion hours.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the engagement hours of Roblox by Region:
Region
Engagement Hours
USA and Canada
11.011 billion
Europe
12.048 billion
Asia Pacific
9.998 billion
Others
11.461 billion
Roblox Statistics based on Platform
There is no surprise that the majority of the users prefer to access the Roblox using their mobile phones by 72%. Followed by Desktop, as the second most-preferred choice by 25% and Console in the third position with only 3%.
Platforms
Percent of DAUs
Mobile
72%
Desktop
25%
Console
3%
The PC version of Roblox was released on 1st September 2006.
Roblox was made available for users to download on iOS on 12th December 2012.
It was made available for Android users on 16th July 2014.
It was published on Xbox One on November 20th, 2015.
Players spending on Roblox Mobile App worldwide
As of April 2024, the United States accounted for the highest number of players spending on the Roblox Mobile app at 57%. Followed by the United Kingdom in the second position with 6% in the preceding 30 days and Canada in the third position with 4%.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the global players’ spending on the Roblox Mobile app:
Region
Percentage of Players
United States
57%
United Kingdom
6%
Canada
4%
South Korea
4%
Australia
3%
Brazil
2%
Germany
2%
Saudi Arabia
1%
Mexico
1%
Sweden
1%
France
1%
Philippines
1%
Thailand
1%
Singapore
1%
Hong Kong
1%
Others
14%
Roblox Annual developer and creator cash payout (from 2018 to 2023)
In 2023, the developers and creators that were registered in Roblox’s Developer Exchange program earned a whopping amount of 740 million in annual cash payout. The previous year, the creators and developers made 623 million U.S. dollars. The creations can further be in turn, converted into real-world currency. Creators of Roblox are capable of earning the virtual currency Robux through its virtual gaming creations.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the annual developer and creator cash payout by Roblox from 2018 to 2023:
Since 2016, Roblox has been downloaded more than 905 million times, in which 56.41 million downloads were generated from Quarter 2 of 2023 alone. The breakthrough for Roblox came in 2019 when the download numbers reached 108.8 million.
Below we have mentioned a table showcasing Roblox download numbers over the years:
Year
Roblox Downloads
2023 (Up to Q2)
112.06
2022
178.34
2021
171.34
2020
159.34
2019
108.8
2018
82.84
2017
59.47
2016
33.15
Most Popular Games on Roblox worldwide
According to reports, Brookhaven RP is the most popular game worldwide with 34.44 billion as of July 2023. Adopt Me was ranked second in the list, with 33.71 billion visitors globally. The third rank was secured by the Tower of Hell with 21.26 billion visitors.
Below we have mentioned a list of the most popular games on Roblox worldwide:
Roblox continues to grow as one of the leading online gaming platforms worldwide. Its rising daily and monthly active users highlight the platform’s popularity among players across different age groups. With 123 million daily active users in Q2 2026 and 381.8 million monthly active users in 2025, Roblox maintains a strong global presence. Its user-generated games, social features, and interactive experiences continue to attract millions of players. These Roblox statistics show how the platform has expanded over the years and strengthened its position in the global gaming industry.
ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok, plans to repurchase up to $6 billion in shares from existing investors. The proposed share buyback values the company at approximately $400 billion, representing a 20% increase from its previous valuation.
According to a November 12 report by The Information, ByteDance informed shareholders about the proposed transaction through a letter. The report cited the shareholder letter and a person familiar with the company’s plans.
The proposed $6 billion share buyback reflects ByteDance’s rising valuation as it expands its artificial intelligence investments. It also highlights the company’s growing position in the global technology market amid increasing competition.
ByteDance Raises Its Share Buyback Valuation by 20%
ByteDance has proposed a buyback price of $241.35 per share, up from $200.41 under its previous programme last November. This represents an increase of approximately 20% in the company’s internal share valuation over the past year.
The latest share buyback offer gives existing investors an opportunity to sell their shares directly to ByteDance. The company has run an annual share repurchase programme since 2022, allowing shareholders to exit without waiting for an initial public offering (IPO).
ByteDance is also proposing to extend its deadline for completing an IPO or allowing external shareholders to sell their entire stakes. Under the shareholder proposal, the deadline would shift from December 2026 to December 11, 2030.
However, ByteDance has not announced any confirmed plans or timeline for a public listing. The company would also need approval from Chinese regulators before proceeding with an IPO.
TikTok’s US Deal Helps Reduce Regulatory Uncertainty
ByteDance’s higher valuation follows its agreement with the Trump administration regarding TikTok’s operations in the United States. The company completed the deal in January 2026 to prevent a possible ban on the popular video-sharing platform.
As part of the agreement, ByteDance transferred an 80% stake in TikTok’s US data security business to an American-owned joint venture. However, the Chinese company retained control of TikTok’s revenue-generating operations.
The agreement helped reduce regulatory uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future in the American market. It also removed a potential obstacle that could affect ByteDance’s plans for a future initial public offering (IPO).
Despite this progress, ByteDance has not confirmed when it plans to enter public markets. Its latest share buyback programme gives existing investors another opportunity to sell their holdings.
ByteDance Increases Investment in Artificial Intelligence
ByteDance is expanding its artificial intelligence investments as competition grows among major Chinese and international technology companies. The company is strengthening its AI business to compete with rivals developing advanced models and digital products.
Its growing AI portfolio includes Doubao, an AI chatbot, and Seedance, a video-generation model. ByteDance also faces competition from Chinese technology companies such as Alibaba, Tencent, DeepSeek, Moonshot AI and Z.ai.
However, higher spending on artificial intelligence is putting pressure on ByteDance’s profitability. According to previous reporting by The Information, the company’s net profit fell by a single-digit percentage to approximately $20 billion during the first half of 2026.
ByteDance is also taking steps to attract and retain experienced artificial intelligence researchers. Its latest shareholder letter reportedly outlines plans to offer employees in its AI division 300 million shares linked to the business’s value.
The proposed share incentives aim to reward employees and prevent skilled AI researchers from joining competing technology companies. ByteDance has already introduced virtual share arrangements for selected employees working within its artificial intelligence division.
ByteDance’s $400 Billion Valuation Reflects Its Growing AI Ambitions
ByteDance’s proposed $6 billion share buyback highlights its position among the world’s most valuable privately held technology companies. The programme also offers investors a clearer picture of the company’s estimated market value.
The company generates substantial revenue through TikTok, Douyin and its digital advertising business. At the same time, ByteDance is expanding its artificial intelligence investments to support future business growth. Its spending on AI models, chatbots and video-generation tools is becoming increasingly important to its long-term strategy.
However, ByteDance faces growing competition from established technology companies and emerging artificial intelligence developers. Rising infrastructure, research and development costs could also put additional pressure on its profitability.
The proposed share buyback provides a new valuation benchmark while allowing existing shareholders to sell their holdings. However, it remains unclear whether ByteDance will pursue an initial public offering before December 2030.
Smartphones have become an essential part of daily life, with billions of people using them worldwide. From communication and online shopping to entertainment and navigation, smartphones now play a major role in how people work and access information.
According to DataReportal, there are approximately 7.68 billion active smartphone connections worldwide, accounting for 89.4% of all mobile phones in use. The growing availability of affordable devices, faster internet connections, and mobile applications continues to increase smartphone adoption.
More people now rely on smartphones for everyday activities, making mobile technology an important part of modern lifestyles. This article covers the latest smartphone ownership statistics, global user figures, adoption rates, and key trends shaping smartphone usage worldwide.
Top Smartphone Ownership Statistics
There are 7.68 billion active smartphone connections worldwide, accounting for 89.4% of all mobile phones in use.
Smartphones account for approximately 89.4% of all mobile phone connections worldwide.
Around 91% of college graduates own a smartphone.
About 94.40% of Millennials in the United States own a Smartphone.
Over the last five years, the smartphone user population has increased by 5% year-over-year.
55% of smartphone users come from Asia itself.
98% of Gen Z own a smartphone today.
2020 is considered as the peak year for smartphone ownership.
The country with the highest number of smartphone users today is China.
70% of the digital media time in the United States is made from smartphones.
Android is the leading operating system globally.
College graduates have the highest potential to own a smartphone.
The country with the highest smartphone usage per capita is Germany.
How Many People Own Smartphones?
There are approximately 7.68 billion active smartphone connections worldwide, accounting for approximately 89.4% of all mobile phones in use, according to DataReportal. However, the number of individual smartphone users is estimated at around 5.12 billion people.
This represents roughly 57% to over 70% of the global population, depending on the measurement used. Meanwhile, approximately 5.86 billion people use mobile phones worldwide, representing 70.4% of the global population. The number of unique mobile phone users continues to grow by approximately 1.7% annually.
Particulars
Details
Active Smartphone Connections
7.68 billion
Smartphones as a share of mobile phones
89.4%
Mobile phone users as a share of the global population
China is the leading country with the highest number of smartphone users 974.69 million, followed by India ranking second on the list with 659 million. Regardless of China and India having the highest number of smartphone users in the list, the United States has the largest proportion of its population accessing smartphones with 81.6% of smartphone penetration. Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the top 10 countries with the highest number of smartphone users worldwide along with their population and penetration.
Country
Total number of Smartphone users
Population
Penetration
China
974.69 million
1.43 billion
68.4%
India
659 million
1.42 billion
46.5%
United States
276.14 million
338.29 million
81.6%
Indonesia
187.7 million
275.5 million
68.1%
Brazil
143.43 million
215.31 million
66.6%
Russia
106.44 million
144.71 million
73.6%
Japan
97.44 million
123.95 million
78.6%
Nigeria
83.34 million
218.54 million
38.1%
Mexico
78.37 million
127.5 million
61.5%
Pakistan
72.99 million
235.82 million
31%
Number of Smartphone users in the United States
The United States is one of the most developed countries in the world. In the US, almost 19 in 20 people own a cell phone. So, let’s take a look at the number of smartphone users in the United States based on various factors such as Age group, Gender, Residence, and more.
Number of smartphone users based on Gender in the US
In the US, males have a higher edge when it comes to owning a smartphone. According to Pew Research data, 80% of males own a smartphone in the US, compared to females 75%.
Gender
Percentage who own a smartphone
Males
80%
Females
75%
Number of smartphone users based on Age Group
There is no surprise that people between the ages of 18 to 29 are the leading age group with the highest number of smartphone users at 94%. Followed by the age group of 30 to 49 that have 89% of smartphone users which is also quite expected considering the advanced technology appointed in the workforce. Below we have mentioned a table displaying the number of smartphone users based on Age groups:
Age Group
Percentage of Smartphone users
18 to 29
94%
30 to 49
89%
50 to 64
73%
65+
46%
Reside in Urban Areas
A large proportion of the United States citizens who own a smartphone reside in the urban area by 83% which isn’t quite surprising. The second highest smartphone is suburban residents 78% and lastly, 65% of the smartphone users reside in rural districts.
Number of Smartphone users by Ethnicity
Based on ethnicity there is a very tiny difference among smartphone users. Like, three-quarters of the smartphone users are White by 77%, Hispanic also by 77%, and black by 75%.
Overall in the US, 98% of black citizens own a cell phone regardless of its type or form in comparison to 94% of the white population and 97% of the Hispanic population.
Education level of smartphone ownership
Another factor that plays a significant role among smartphone users is the education level of the user. For example, the cell phone ownership of college graduates is 97%, with 91% belonging to smartphone ownership. Similarly, an individual who has less than a high school degree education has a cell phone ownership of 90% with only 57% belonging to smartphones and 33% belonging to non-smartphone ownership.
Below we have mentioned a table displaying smartphone ownership based on education level:
Education Level
Cell Phone Ownership
Smartphone Only Ownership
Non-Smartphone Only Ownership
Less than high-school
90%
57%
33%
High-school graduate
92%
69%
24%
Some College
96%
80%
16%
College graduate
97%
91%
6%
The total amount of time people spend on their Smartphones in the US
Almost half of the US population 132.13 million users spend about 5 to 6 hours of their time using their smartphones. While only 5% of US smartphone users spend less than an hour accessing their smartphone. Below we have mentioned a table showcasing the number of hours users spend on smartphones in the United States.
Total number of hours
Number of Smartphone users
Less than 1 hour
13.76 million
1 to 2 hours
19.27 million
3 to 4 hours
60.56 million
5 to 6 hours
132.13 million
More than 6 hours
49.55 million
In general. Smartphones make up about 70% of digital media consumption. This includes a variety of activities where United States citizens spend their time such as Games, Social Media, Entertainment, and more.
Distribution of Smartphone users based on Generation
According to the reports by eMarketers, Millennials are the leading generation with the highest number of smartphone users 94.40%. Followed by Gen X at 88.80% and Gen Z at 72.80. Apparently, Gen Alpha consists of the lowest number of smartphone users by 17% which isn’t quite surprising considering the majority of individuals are still in school.
Generation
Number of Smartphone users
Millennials
94.40%
Gen X
88.80%
Gen Z
72.80%
Baby Boomers
68.10%
Gen Alpha
17%
Distribution of Smartphone Market Share
When talking about smartphones, there is a wide range of brands that provide smartphones with a variety of features and capabilities. In 2012, Samsung was ranked as the leading brand with the highest market share by 30.3%. Followed by Apple with 18.7% and Huawei with 4%. By 2020, there were five brands that were leading the smartphone market share: Samsung (20.6%), Apple (15.9%), Huawei (14.6%), Xiaomi (11.4%), and Vivo (8.6%). Below we have mentioned a breakdown of the Smartphone market share between 2012 to 2022.
Year
Samsung
Apple
Huawei
Xiaomi
OPPO
vivo
Lenovo
2012
30.3%
18.7%
4%
–
–
–
3.3%
2013
31.3%
15.3%
4.9%
–
–
–
4.5%
2014
24.4%
14.8%
5.7%
4.4%
–
–
4.6%
2015
22.3%
16.1%
7.4%
4.9%
3%
2.6%
5.2%
2016
21.1%
14.6%
9.5%
3.6%
6.8%
5.3%
–
2017
21.7%
14.7%
10.5%
6.3%
7.6%
–
–
2018
20.8%
14.9%
14.7%
8.7%
8.1%
–
–
2019
21.6%
13.9%
17.6%
9.2%
8.3%
–
–
2020
20.6%
15.9%
14.6%
11.4%
–
8.6%
–
Q2 2021
18.9%
14.2%
–
16.9%
10.5%
10.1%
–
Q2 2022
21.8%
15.6%
–
13.8%
8.6%
8.7%
–
Leading Operating systems in Smartphones
Today, iOS and Android are the two leading operating systems with the highest smartphone market share. Android tops the list of highest operating system market share with 70.16% followed by iOS with 29.14%. Below we have mentioned a table displaying the market share of the operating system:
Operating System
Operating system market share
Android
70.16%
iOS
29.14%
Samsung
0.38%
KaiOS
0.12%
Windows
0.02%
Nokia
0.01%
Linux
0.01%
Wrapping Up
More than 86% of the population across the world already owns a smartphone and in the coming years, the number of smartphone users is expected to grow to higher. The features and capabilities offered through a smartphone using advanced technology are growing the demand for smartphones among people. Today, you can access entertainment, games, social media, bank information, maps, emails, and more by simply using your smartphone. Due to this most industry specialists believe that smartphone user numbers will keep on rising.
Microsoft is dealing with a major global outage affecting Outlook, Teams, Copilot, and several other Microsoft 365 services. The disruption began on November 12, 2026, preventing users across multiple countries from accessing emails and essential workplace applications.
The Microsoft 365 outage also affected connectors used by artificial intelligence platforms, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude. These integrations allow AI assistants to access business information, including emails, calendars, and documents stored within Microsoft 365.
Microsoft has started restoring affected services after encountering problems with its initial recovery efforts. The company has reported early signs of improvement, but some users continue experiencing connectivity issues.
Microsoft 365 Outage Affects Users Worldwide
The Microsoft 365 outage disrupted services across 74 countries and territories, according to Downdetector reports. Outlook faced some of the biggest disruptions, with nearly 130,000 users reporting problems across the United States.
Affected users experienced difficulties accessing Outlook inboxes, sending emails, and receiving incoming messages. Several customers also reported connectivity issues with Microsoft Teams, Copilot, and other Microsoft workplace applications.
Microsoft initially confirmed that the outage affected Exchange Online, its cloud-based email service. The company attributed the connectivity problems to increased infrastructure loads across multiple regions.
Outlook and Microsoft Teams Face Email and Connectivity Problems
Outlook was one of the hardest-hit services during the Microsoft 365 outage. Users reported difficulties accessing their email accounts through desktop apps, mobile devices, and web browsers.
Microsoft also warned that email delivery delays could occur while engineers investigated the disruption. Some customers experienced problems sending and receiving messages through Exchange Online.
Microsoft Teams also faced issues with features connected to Exchange Online. These problems affected calendar access, meeting scheduling, and certain chat creation functions.
However, Microsoft confirmed that core Teams messaging and online meetings remained largely available. Users could also continue accessing files stored directly in SharePoint Online. The Microsoft 365 outage also affected several other workplace applications and services, including:
Microsoft 365 Copilot
SharePoint Online
Microsoft Planner
Microsoft To Do
Microsoft Defender XDR
Microsoft Purview
Microsoft Graph
Power BI
Microsoft’s service advisory also reported intermittent failures across Power Platform applications, workflows, and connectors. These issues affected users relying on connected tools and automated business processes.
ChatGPT and Claude Microsoft 365 Connectors Also Affected
The outage also affected connections between Microsoft 365 and external artificial intelligence platforms, including services from OpenAI and Anthropic. OpenAI reported an issue with its Microsoft connectors, while Anthropic identified problems affecting its Microsoft 365 connector.
Both companies said the disruption affected integrations that rely on Microsoft services and prevented some tools from working properly. These connectors allow AI assistants to access workplace information, including emails, calendars, and other Microsoft 365 data.
Users can retrieve business information through these integrations without switching between different applications. The disruption highlighted how problems with shared cloud infrastructure can affect multiple technology platforms simultaneously. Even independently operated AI tools may experience service interruptions when their external integrations become unavailable.
Microsoft Investigates the Cause of the Global Outage
Microsoft initially blamed increased infrastructure loads across multiple regions for the widespread Microsoft 365 service disruption. However, the company later identified unexpected server outages as a major cause of the incident.
The affected servers increased pressure on Microsoft’s remaining infrastructure and disrupted normal service operations. This made it difficult for the company to process user requests and maintain reliable connections.
To address the problem, Microsoft paused deployments and redirected traffic through alternative routes. Engineers also began restarting affected servers and restoring infrastructure capacity across impacted regions.
However, these initial recovery measures failed to deliver the expected results. Microsoft reported that some servers stopped responding again after engineers restored them to service.
The company then explored alternative recovery methods to improve server performance and maintain stable connections. Engineers continued monitoring infrastructure conditions as additional servers gradually returned to normal operations.
Microsoft also confirmed that it had found no evidence of malicious activity or cyberattacks. The company continued investigating the outage while focusing on restoring affected Microsoft 365 services.
Businesses and Government Services Face Disruptions
The global Microsoft 365 outage disrupted businesses and government organisations across several countries. Several organisations reported interruptions to email communication and other essential workplace operations.
In Singapore, government email services experienced disruptions during the incident. The Philippines’ Supreme Court also reported operational difficulties and delays in email responses. Japanese authorities separately reported problems affecting government IT infrastructure.
The outage also affected businesses across Hong Kong, including banking services and corporate communications. Some organisations experienced difficulties maintaining normal operations while Microsoft investigated the service disruption.
Indian airlines also reported problems with their email support systems. IndiGo said the outage affected its ability to receive customer queries from passengers. Air India temporarily redirected its email services to manage the disruption.
However, both airlines confirmed that their flight operations continued without any reported impact. IndiGo also stated that its other customer support channels remained available to passengers.
Microsoft has begun restoring affected servers and increasing infrastructure capacity to bring its Microsoft 365 services back online. The company reported early signs of improvement as recovery efforts continued on November 13.
However, the restoration process remained gradual, with some users continuing to report connectivity problems. Microsoft had not provided a confirmed timeline for fully restoring all affected services.
The global Microsoft 365 outage has raised concerns about the reliability of cloud-based workplace applications. Microsoft 365 serves more than 430 million users worldwide, making service disruptions particularly challenging for businesses and organisations.
The incident also highlights how artificial intelligence platforms increasingly depend on external workplace software integrations. As companies connect AI assistants to business applications, cloud service failures can disrupt multiple platforms simultaneously.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s departure has raised concerns about the future of more than $3 billion in Chinese AI infrastructure projects. Several Chinese developers and research institutions have planned large computing facilities using Nvidia’s advanced H100, H200, and H800 processors.
A Reuters investigation published on November 13, 2026, identified Chinese AI projects and equipment agreements worth over 23 billion yuan ($3.2 billion). The investigation examined more than 150 procurement notices, investment plans, construction contracts, and corporate disclosures.
The report reveals China’s continued dependence on Nvidia chips despite tightening US export restrictions. Huang’s departure could add further uncertainty as Washington considers stricter controls on advanced AI processors and computing technology.
China’s $3.2 Billion AI Projects Depend on Nvidia Chips
A Reuters investigation identified several Chinese AI infrastructure projects across major technology hubs and less-developed western regions. These developments involve government-backed companies, universities, regional computing centres, and private technology developers.
The estimated $3.2 billion investment covers proposed projects, signed contracts, and completed installations. It also includes supporting infrastructure, such as data centre buildings and power systems, beyond Nvidia chip purchases.
Several projects specifically list Nvidia’s restricted H100 and H200 processors in their development plans. One proposed AI computing centre in Xianyou County, Fujian province, carries an estimated investment of 6.2 billion yuan ($873 million).
The project plans to use Nvidia H100 processors and is seeking commercial partners for development. Another computing centre in Shaanxi province involves a 3 billion yuan investment and specifies Nvidia H100 and H200 chips.
In northeastern China’s Jilin province, a separate 2.26 billion yuan project combines Nvidia H100 processors with domestically developed chips. Meanwhile, a proposed development in Inner Mongolia plans to install 625 Nvidia H200 servers.
These projects highlight the significant role Nvidia processors play in China’s planned artificial intelligence infrastructure. They also show how potential export restrictions could affect billions of dollars in planned AI investments.
Existing Chinese AI Data Centres Already Use Nvidia Chips
The report also uncovered Chinese AI computing projects that have progressed beyond the initial planning stage. Several facilities are already using Nvidia processors, while others remain under construction.
In Gansu province, a local company was awarded a 1.16 billion yuan construction contract in July. The planned computing centre is expected to house approximately 3,072 Nvidia processors, including H100 and H200 chips.
However, procurement documents do not confirm whether these processors have reached the facility. This uncertainty reflects the supply challenges facing Chinese developers under tighter US export restrictions.
Other Chinese computing facilities have already deployed Nvidia’s restricted processors. In March 2025, the Wuxi municipal government announced that an Nvidia H800 computing cluster had begun operations.
Shanghai-listed Damingcheng also disclosed an H800 computing cluster through one of its ventures in June. The company signed a computing services agreement initially valued at 759 million yuan. However, the agreement ended earlier than originally planned.
Chinese universities and research institutions have also purchased Nvidia’s advanced processors. Shenzhen University awarded a contract for three Nvidia H100 chips in September. Meanwhile, Northwestern Polytechnical University purchased two Nvidia H200 processors in October.
Jensen Huang’s Departure Creates New Challenges for Nvidia’s China Business
Jensen Huang’s departure comes as Nvidia faces growing scrutiny over its business connections and compliance with US export restrictions. The controversy has raised questions about the company’s relationships with China-linked partners and possible violations of American export controls.
The investigation involves Alice Huang, a businesswoman and former executive linked to Megaspeed. The Singapore-based company previously operated as a cloud partner for Nvidia. US authorities have reportedly examined her alleged intelligence ties to Beijing and possible chip diversion involving the company.
Megaspeed has denied illegally redirecting Nvidia processors to China. Nvidia’s board has launched an independent investigation into the matter. The company said it has no reason to believe its secrets or US national security were compromised.
However, no public findings establish that Jensen Huang violated US export-control laws. Reuters also found no links between the Chinese AI projects and the allegations involving Megaspeed.
Huang’s departure could also reduce Nvidia’s influence over technology policy discussions in Washington. He had repeatedly argued that American chipmakers should retain access to China instead of surrendering market share to domestic competitors.
His exit could make Nvidia’s efforts to influence future export policies more difficult. This could create additional uncertainty for the company’s access to China’s AI chip market.
US Export Restrictions Add Pressure on Chinese AI Developers
The United States introduced restrictions on Nvidia’s advanced AI chips for China in 2022. Washington later expanded these rules to cover modified processors developed specifically for Chinese customers, including the H800.
In January 2026, the Trump administration introduced individual reviews for export licences covering Nvidia’s H200 processors. This approach could allow eligible Chinese customers to purchase these chips under specific conditions.
However, Nvidia has said US export restrictions have effectively pushed the company out of China’s AI data centre market. The company has also excluded Chinese data centre revenue from its financial forecasts because of ongoing regulatory uncertainty.
Despite these restrictions, Chinese developers continue to show strong demand for Nvidia processors. An IDC report cited by Reuters in October estimated Nvidia held 34% of China’s AI accelerator shipments during the first half of 2026.
This estimate differs from Jensen Huang’s earlier claim that Nvidia’s Chinese market share had fallen from 95% to zero. However, the figures measure different aspects of the market and do not explain how restricted processors reached Chinese customers.
Tighter US export controls could create further challenges for Chinese AI infrastructure projects. Developers may face construction delays, hardware shortages, and higher costs when replacing restricted Nvidia processors.
Companies could also need to redesign existing computing facilities around domestically produced chips. Such changes could increase development costs and delay China’s efforts to expand its AI computing capacity.
China’s AI Infrastructure Plans Face Increasing Uncertainty
China’s artificial intelligence industry faces growing challenges as developers expand computing infrastructure amid restrictions on foreign semiconductor technology.
Nvidia processors feature in several major Chinese AI projects, leaving developers exposed to changes in US export policies. Jensen Huang’s departure adds further uncertainty as Nvidia prepares to manage its China business under new leadership.
Meanwhile, China is investing in its domestic semiconductor industry to reduce reliance on American chipmakers. However, replacing Nvidia processors could require substantial investment, technical changes, and additional development time.
The $3.2 billion in identified AI projects does not mean every investment faces cancellation. Some computing facilities are already operational, while others remain under construction or await further development.
Their completion will depend on access to processors, changes in US export regulations, and alternative hardware availability. Chinese developers must also determine whether domestic chips can meet the computing requirements of these large-scale AI projects.
China’s largest contract chipmaker, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), expects global AI chip shortages to continue through 2027. Rising demand from data centers and private cloud infrastructure is putting increasing pressure on semiconductor supplies worldwide.
SMIC Co-CEO Zhao Haijun shared this forecast on November 13, 2026, amid concerns about a possible artificial intelligence market bubble. He believes the AI industry remains in its early stages, with demand for computing resources continuing to increase.
Zhao said many customers are still struggling to secure enough computing resources for their operations. Growing investments in AI infrastructure are increasing pressure on semiconductor manufacturers and limiting their ability to meet demand.
AI Data Center Demand Keeps Chip Supply Under Pressure
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence infrastructure is driving higher demand for semiconductors across global markets. Technology companies are spending billions of dollars on data centers to support AI training, inference, and cloud computing services.
SMIC expects strong demand to keep the global AI chip supply chain under pressure through 2027. The company also reported rising demand for private cloud infrastructure as businesses develop computing systems for their AI applications.
The supply shortage highlights the growing gap between computing demand and available semiconductor manufacturing capacity. Although chipmakers are increasing production, expanding manufacturing capacity requires substantial investment and specialized equipment. Building new production facilities also takes time, making it difficult to meet rising demand quickly.
Zhao also warned that shortages could continue beyond 2027 for certain semiconductor products. He expects computing power and supporting chips to remain in short supply through mid-to-late 2028.
SMIC Faces Longer Semiconductor Equipment Delivery Times
SMIC is facing longer delivery times for semiconductor manufacturing equipment as global demand for chip production continues rising. CEO Zhao warned that some equipment orders now come with delivery timelines exceeding 24 months.
These delays could affect SMIC’s capital expenditure plans for 2026. Longer equipment delivery times make it harder for semiconductor manufacturers to expand production capacity and meet growing customer demand.
The company is increasing its capacity utilization to handle rising demand for semiconductor manufacturing services. However, limited equipment availability could slow SMIC’s production expansion and restrict how quickly new capacity becomes operational.
SMIC also expects depreciation expenses to rise approximately 30% year over year in 2026. This increase reflects higher costs from manufacturing investments, equipment purchases, and efforts to expand production capacity.
Memory Chip Shortages Could Continue Until 2028
SMIC expects the global memory semiconductor market to face supply shortages beyond 2027. CEO Zhao said memory chip supply and demand could reach balance between mid-2028 and late 2028.
This forecast shows growing supply pressures across different segments of the semiconductor industry. AI infrastructure requires various chips, including processors, high-bandwidth memory, and other supporting semiconductor components.
Data centers need large amounts of high-performance memory to process increasingly complex artificial intelligence workloads. As technology companies expand their AI infrastructure, memory manufacturers face greater pressure to increase production and meet rising customer demand.
However, expanding memory production may take longer than the growth in AI computing demand. This could keep memory chip supplies constrained until manufacturers can increase output enough to meet market requirements.
AI Chip Demand Remains Strong Despite Market Bubble Concerns
SMIC’s latest forecast comes as investors increasingly question whether the artificial intelligence industry is facing an investment bubble. Major technology companies continue spending billions of dollars on AI infrastructure, semiconductor development, and data center expansion.
However, Zhao believes the AI industry is still in its early stages, with demand for computing resources remaining strong. His comments indicate that SMIC does not expect demand for AI chips to weaken significantly in the coming years.
The company’s outlook also highlights the growing pressure on semiconductor manufacturers to meet rising demand. Chipmakers must expand production capacity while managing equipment shortages and longer manufacturing timelines.
Meanwhile, data center construction and private cloud adoption continue driving demand for AI semiconductors. These trends could keep chip supply constraints in place through 2027 and potentially into 2028.
