Private tutoring companies in the US face stiff competition from AI homework apps, two of which are from China. According to SensorTower data, China’s Question AI has been downloaded six million times in the US since its launch in 2023, while Gauth, introduced by ByteDance in 2019, has reached 12 million downloads. The success of these platforms can be attributed to their cost-effectiveness, as their monthly subscription fees are significantly lower than traditional tutoring services, making them more accessible to a broader audience.
Intense Competition in the AI Field
The emergence of Chinese homework apps in the American market can also be traced to a strategic shift following China’s crackdown on its local tutoring sector in 2021. Many companies have shifted their focus to international markets, with the US being a primary target. For instance, Question AI and Gauth are offered in the US through Singapore-based entities. This shift highlights the global nature of the ed-tech industry and its potential impact on traditional tutoring models.
As debates about the role of AI in classrooms continue, it has become evident that such apps are increasingly adopted in the US. AI-based platforms’ affordable pricing and personalized teaching styles make them attractive to students seeking homework help. In fact, a quarter of the top 20 education apps in the US App Store are AI-based, providing real-time support for students’ academic needs.
Resistance to the Apps
However, there is also resistance to the widespread use of these apps. Some public school districts in the US have taken measures to block access to platforms like ChatGPT, citing concerns about their impact on students’ learning experiences.
Despite these efforts, enforcing such bans outside school environments is extremely challenging, as students can access these apps from various devices and locations. Overall, the rise of AI homework apps presents both opportunities and challenges for the education sector.
While these apps offer affordability and convenience, their increasing prevalence raises questions about the long-term effects on traditional tutoring services and students’ educational outcomes. However, one emerging reality is that as technology continues to advance, finding a balance between innovation and maintaining educational quality will be crucial for educators, policymakers, and parents.
