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OpenAI Charts Bold New Course Beyond GPT-5: Devices, Apps, and Ambitions

Cansin Cengiz

15 Aug 2025 — 2 min read

OpenAI Charts Bold New Course Beyond GPT-5: Devices, Apps, and Ambitions

OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman recently hosted a select group of tech reporters for an intimate dinner in San Francisco, offering a rare glimpse into the company’s evolving ambitions after the launch of GPT-5. While much of the public focus has been on the latest advancements in AI models, Altman made it clear that OpenAI’s vision now stretches far beyond incremental model improvements.

A Shift from Model-Centric to Product-Centric

GPT-5’s release, although highly anticipated, landed with a more muted impact compared to its predecessor. Unlike the significant leap seen with GPT-4, GPT-5 is described as on par with offerings from Google and Anthropic. OpenAI has even reinstated GPT-4o and a model picker for ChatGPT, responding to user feedback and preferences.

But Altman’s focus during the dinner was squarely on the future. OpenAI is evolving from a company defined by its flagship models to a multifaceted technology powerhouse. The company is now targeting sectors like search, hardware, and enterprise software, signaling a broader strategy reminiscent of Google’s evolution into Alphabet.

Consumer Devices: A New Frontier

Altman, referencing OpenAI’s much-rumored partnership with former Apple designer Jony Ive, teased the upcoming launch of a consumer AI device. He joked about the importance of design, telling attendees, “If you put a case over it, I will personally hunt you down.” This playful remark underscores OpenAI’s intent to blend AI innovation with world-class hardware aesthetics.

Expanding the App Ecosystem

Fidji Simo, the incoming CEO of applications at OpenAI, will soon lead the charge in developing a suite of consumer apps beyond ChatGPT. These may include:

An AI-powered browser, potentially rivaling Chrome
New social media experiences leveraging AI in novel ways

Altman even entertained the idea of acquiring Chrome if it ever went up for sale, highlighting OpenAI’s appetite for bold moves in the consumer space.

Ventures into Brain-Computer Interfaces

OpenAI is also exploring the frontier of brain-computer interfaces, with plans to back Merge Labs, a startup aiming to compete with Elon Musk’s Neuralink. While no deal is finalized, Altman confirmed his interest in supporting ventures that push the boundaries of human-computer interaction.

Strategic Moves for a Broader Future

OpenAI’s bets aren’t limited to software and consumer gadgets. The company is investing in data centers, robotics, and energy, preparing for a future where its influence extends far beyond conversational AI. With these expansions, OpenAI is positioning itself as a tech conglomerate that could one day rival the breadth and scale of today’s largest technology firms.

IPO on the Horizon?

Given the scale of OpenAI’s ambitions and its growing capital needs, a public offering seems increasingly likely in the coming years. Altman appears focused on building strong relationships with the media and shaping the company’s narrative as it transitions to this new phase.

Conclusion

OpenAI’s journey after GPT-5 is just beginning. The company’s next act will be defined by a diverse portfolio of AI-driven products and services, aiming to reshape how people interact with technology in their daily lives. As Altman and his team set their sights on consumer devices, new applications, and groundbreaking research, OpenAI is determined to move beyond being known solely as the creator of ChatGPT.