OpenAI isn't going public in 2026, says Sam Altman

Don't expect an OpenAI ticker symbol on Wall Street anytime soon.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says taking the company public in 2026 is "ill-advised." Speaking with Fortune editor in chief Alyson Shontell, Altman noted that rushing an IPO during ongoing AI safety discussions doesn't make sense. He confirmed OpenAI will wait until the business and society are ready, officially ruling out a 2026 launch.

Why it matters: Going public forces a company to focus on quarterly earnings. Delaying the listing gives OpenAI breathing room to address safety concerns, financial challenges, and security fallout without Wall Street watching every step.

Know this: The New York Times reported in June that OpenAI originally targeted late 2026, but market volatility and internal costs were already pointing toward 2027.

For now, Altman says the team has "a lot of stuff to do" before ringing any opening bells.