OpenAI has initiated a company-wide 'code red' to aggressively enhance ChatGPT following increased competition from rivals like Google and Anthropic. CEO Sam Altman has directed the company to prioritise improvements to ChatGPT's core functionalities, including enhanced personalisation, speed, reliability, and broader question-answering capabilities. This decision has led to the temporary postponement of other projects, such as advertising initiatives, to ensure that all efforts are concentrated on reinforcing ChatGPT's market position.
The move comes as competitors, particularly Google with its Gemini 3 model, have made significant strides, surpassing GPT-5 in key performance benchmarks and gaining traction in areas like image generation. Google's AI user base has shown substantial growth, intensifying the pressure on OpenAI to maintain its competitive edge. The company aims to refine the user experience and overall quality of ChatGPT to secure long-term user retention and satisfaction, even if it means delaying potential revenue streams.
Analysts view OpenAI's strategic shift as a commitment to product excellence over immediate financial gains, a move intended to solidify its position in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The company is focusing on ensuring ChatGPT remains a leading AI platform by addressing user experience and security concerns amidst growing competition.




