Sam Altman pauses OpenAI projects to strengthen ChatGPT

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued a “code red” as he pushes the company to counter rising pressure from Google. In a decisive shift, Altman instructed teams to pause side projects, including the Sora video generator, for eight weeks so the company can focus entirely on improving ChatGPT. The move underscores a broader priority change: strengthening the flagship product that ignited the global AI wave.

The decision comes as Google rapidly expands its AI capabilities, creating a competitive landscape that could threaten OpenAI’s lead. By temporarily halting experimental initiatives, Altman aims to speed up enhancements that make ChatGPT more reliable, more capable, and more appealing for everyday users. He believes that widespread adoption is the clearest path for OpenAI to stay ahead.

Sources familiar with the directive say the internal message stresses urgency. Teams are being told to fix user pain points, refine response quality, and improve ChatGPT’s overall performance. The focus is on making the chatbot faster, smarter, and more helpful, reinforcing its position as the standard for consumer AI. This shift contrasts with earlier strategies centered heavily on long-term breakthroughs such as AGI.

The move also highlights how seriously OpenAI views Google’s progress. Instead of distributing resources across high-risk research, the company is doubling down on the product that drives its visibility and revenue. Concentrating effort on ChatGPT is expected to help secure OpenAI’s lead before rivals gain ground.

Altman’s “code red” marks a rare strategic reset at one of the world’s most influential AI companies. Though OpenAI has often balanced ambitious research with consumer-facing tools, the coming two months will determine whether a tighter focus on ChatGPT can reinforce its dominance and counter mounting competitive pressure.