Meta AI Has Consumed Most Mobile Data
A study of 95 mobile apps found that Meta AI used significantly more cellular data than streaming services.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Telecommunications
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A new research study revealed that Meta AI consumed 442 MB of mobile data in just five minutes of use. This total surpassed all other applications tested, including major video and music streaming platforms.
Why it matters
The findings highlight the significant data demands of artificial intelligence tools compared to traditional media streaming apps. This information provides users with a clearer understanding of how background and active AI processes impact monthly mobile data plans.
Researchers tested 95 mobile apps on an iPhone for five minutes each with Wi-Fi disabled. Data usage was tracked using the My Data Manager app with a measurement precision of 0.1 MB.
The players
Maaltalk
Maaltalk is the research organization that conducted the study evaluating data consumption across 95 different mobile applications.
Meta AI
Meta AI is the artificial intelligence assistant developed by Meta that recorded the highest cellular data usage in the study.
The details
Meta AI led the list by consuming 442 MB, followed by Disney+ at 150 MB and Microsoft Teams at 137.2 MB. Conversely, music apps like Apple Music and YouTube Music were significantly more efficient, using only 7 MB during the same five-minute window.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: The study results were published.
The Tech Race
This study updates the baseline established by the My Data Manager tracking app for measuring cellular bandwidth efficiency in the modern smartphone era. It highlights how generative AI is rapidly replacing traditional media consumption as the primary driver of high mobile data utilization.
Users with limited cellular data plans should monitor their interactions with AI assistants, which may deplete monthly allowances faster than video streaming. Those concerned about overage charges may prefer to use resource-heavy AI tools primarily while connected to Wi-Fi networks.
The takeaway
Understanding the data intensity of new AI software is essential for maintaining control over mobile phone bills. Consumers should review their data usage settings if they frequently utilize large language models on mobile networks.
Further reading
For more information on bandwidth efficiency trends, see the Telecommunications section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cord Cutters News.
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