OpenAI will not go public in 2026, according to comments from CEO Sam Altman to Fortune, as reported by multiple outlets. Several reports say Altman frames the timing as unsuitable for an IPO this year, despite earlier market expectations that an offering could occur by year-end.
The outlets broadly agree that Altman cites AI safety work and related uncertainty as key reasons. Business Insider and MarketWatch describe his position as “ill-advised,” adding that decisions around going public may not align with shareholder expectations. Bloomberg further reports Altman indicates the IPO would not happen until 2027.
Other coverage notes that OpenAI has filed for an IPO on a confidential basis, but the company is not proceeding in 2026. Forbes similarly says Wall Street had expected a major IPO later this year, while Altman says it is not happening. The differences in emphasis across outlets focus on whether the statement implies a specific 2027 timeline (Bloomberg) or primarily stresses immediate safety concerns and caution (others).
