Internal Changes at OpenAI
Internal statements cited in The Financial Times reveal that OpenAI is gearing up for what could be the most significant transformation for ChatGPT since its launch in November 2022. Currently, OpenAI boasts an impressive user base of 1 billion free subscribers but is now shifting its focus towards increasing its paid subscribers to ensure monetization.
“Chat is Dead”: A New Philosophy
The phrase “Chat is dead,” delivered anonymously by a senior OpenAI official, encapsulates the company’s new approach. Sustaining 1 billion free users necessitates substantial computing power and financial outlay—without a clear return on investment. OpenAI no longer perceives ChatGPT as the final product. Instead, it sees it as a gateway to engage users who may eventually be directed to paid services like ChatGPT Plus.
A Super App on the Horizon
Sources close to the organization indicate that OpenAI aims to launch a super app. This platform will merge programming tools and AI agents, enabling monetization through added paying subscribers. This strategic development comes as OpenAI prepares for its Initial Public Offering (IPO), recently submitting documents to the SEC.
Codex at the Center
One pivotal element in this strategy is Codex. The company hopes to transform Codex into a revenue stream that ChatGPT has yet to become. Since its desktop application launch in February 2026, Codex has seen a massive increase, multiplying its weekly active users by six to over 5 million. While ChatGPT has a modest number of paying customers, the majority of Codex users are on subscription plans.
Integration of Third-Party Services
In the coming weeks, ChatGPT’s interface is expected to undergo a redesign across both web and mobile applications. Initially, the platform will guide users to third-party services such as Canva and Booking. The long-term goal is to phase out conventional prompts so that the AI better comprehends users’ intentions when navigating the app.
The Rise of AI Agents
OpenAI’s new approach prioritizes AI agents designed to assist users in a range of personal and professional contexts, challenging traditional perceptions of chatbots. Thibault Sottiaux confirmed that the goal is to develop a personal agent capable of supporting users across various aspects of their lives.
User Criticism and Concerns
The anticipated changes have sparked concerns among existing users, particularly those on Reddit. Current ChatGPT Plus subscribers enjoy near-unlimited conversational access alongside credits from the Codex programming API. There are worries that merging these functionalities into a super app could lead to rapid token consumption and escalate costs.
Shifting Focus from Mass Adoption to Revenue
In the early days of the AI race, OpenAI seemed content to attract a vast number of users, irrespective of financial implications. However, with the emergence of competitors like Anthropic, which focuses on acquiring paying business users, OpenAI’s strategy appears unsustainable. The shift from mass adoption to targeted revenue generation reflects an urgent need for OpenAI to adapt or risk falling behind.