OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated the company will not go public in 2026, calling it "ill-advised" given current AI safety concerns and the OpenAI-Hugging Face hack. In an interview with Fortune editor Alyson Shontell, Altman emphasized the firm will proceed with an IPO only "when we're ready" — when the business, technology, and societal moment align. Despite confidential IPO filings and earlier reports from The New York Times targeting a 2026 launch, Altman confirmed the timeline has shifted, noting "we've got a lot of stuff to do." The delay reflects volatility in tech stocks and internal financial challenges.

OpenAI previously hired bankers and lawyers aiming for a third or fourth quarter 2026 debut but now leans toward 2027.