OpenAI reaches a billion ChatGPT users, unveils a custom processor and postpones its IPO, while navigating US security demands on its next model.
ChatGPT crossed the 1 billion‑monthly‑active‑user mark in June, according to Sensor Tower data cited by Reuters. The milestone makes it the fastest consumer app ever to hit that scale without a parent platform.
OpenAI announced the achievement at Cannes Lions on June 22, noting 900 million weekly active users – roughly double the figure from February 2025. The growth comes as the company rolls out ads in seven markets and tapes out its first custom AI accelerator, a silicon design meant to cut inference costs for its upcoming GPT‑5.6 series.
Revenue has surged in step with user numbers. Audited statements reviewed by the Financial Times show 2025 revenue of $13.07 billion, up from $3.7 billion a year earlier, while the firm posted a $21 billion net loss. By February 2026 the annualized run rate hit $25 billion, with analysts estimating $28‑30 billion by May.
Despite raw usage climbing, ChatGPT’s share of web traffic has slipped. SimilarWeb reports a decline from 87 % in January 2025 to under 57 % in March 2026, as Google’s Gemini rose from 5.7 % to over 25 % in the same window. OpenAI remains the dominant single platform, but the market is no longer a monopoly.
The company’s next flagship, GPT‑5.6, is being released to a “small group of trusted partners” after a direct request from the US government. OpenAI said the preview was shared with officials and that the limited rollout is a short‑term step to keep the model on track for broader availability. The move mirrors Anthropic’s recent, government‑mandated restriction on its Mythos model, which the rival pulled from public access after officials warned about cyber‑hacking capabilities.
OpenAI’s leadership expressed frustration, arguing that the process keeps powerful tools from developers, enterprises and cyber defenders who need them. Yet the firm framed the hold‑back as the “strongest path to broader availability” under current regulatory pressure.
Meanwhile, the company’s long‑awaited IPO – once billed as the largest tech listing since Meta – has been quietly pushed into 2027. The delay follows a $122 billion funding round that valued OpenAI at $852 billion, a figure that Anthropic briefly eclipsed in a single quarter. The postponement gives OpenAI time to shore up its infrastructure, finish the custom chip tape‑out and resolve the government‑related rollout of GPT‑5.6.
Historically, AI startups have struggled to monetize at scale; OpenAI’s revenue growth shows a path, but the persistent net losses highlight the capital intensity of training ever‑larger models. The custom chip could be a game‑changer, potentially lowering the $10‑$15 per‑inference cost that has plagued cloud‑based AI services. If successful, it may also give OpenAI leverage in negotiations with cloud providers and chip makers.
For investors and engineers, the key question is whether the chip and the delayed IPO will translate into sustainable margins. The market is already seeing a shift: Google’s Gemini is gaining ground, and competitors like Anthropic are adjusting access models to manage demand and regulatory risk. OpenAI’s next moves will test whether scale, custom silicon and a cautious rollout can keep it ahead of the pack.
The market will watch the first batch of GPT‑5.6 deployments closely. If the limited preview satisfies security concerns without throttling performance, OpenAI could resume a broader launch later in 2026, setting the stage for a 2027 IPO backed by a more predictable cost structure.
FAQ
What does "taped out" mean for OpenAI’s custom chip?
It refers to the final step in semiconductor design where the chip layout is sent to a fabrication plant for production.
How does the 1 billion user figure compare to other consumer apps?
ChatGPT is the fastest app ever to reach a billion monthly active users, outpacing social networks and streaming services that took years to hit similar numbers.
Why did the US government request a limited GPT‑5.6 preview?
Officials cited security concerns, fearing the model’s advanced capabilities could be misused for cyber‑attacks or disinformation.
Will the IPO delay affect OpenAI’s valuation?
Analysts expect the postponement to give the company time to improve margins, but a later listing could also expose it to higher market volatility.
