OpenAI has reported a significant surge in annualised revenue, surpassing $20 billion in 2025, a remarkable increase from $6 billion the previous year, according to Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar. This growth closely correlates with a rapid expansion in the company’s computing capacity, which rose to 1.9 gigawatts in 2025 from 0.6 gigawatts in 2024. This increase reflects the escalating infrastructure demands associated with large-scale artificial intelligence systems.
In a recent blog post, Friar noted that OpenAI is experiencing unprecedented levels of user engagement, with both weekly and daily active user numbers reaching new heights. This update comes as the company intensifies its efforts to establish sustainable revenue streams. Last week, OpenAI announced plans to pilot advertisements in ChatGPT for a select group of users in the United States. This initiative aims to help fund the substantial costs involved in the ongoing development and operation of AI technology.
In a separate report, Axios revealed that OpenAI’s policy chief, Chris Lehane, indicated the company is “on track” to launch its first consumer hardware device in the latter half of 2026. This expansion signals OpenAI’s ambitions beyond software and cloud-based tools, as it seeks to broaden its offerings.
Friar highlighted that OpenAI’s platform now encompasses a range of capabilities, including text, images, voice, code, and APIs. She emphasized that the next phase of development will concentrate on creating AI agents and workflow automation systems. These systems are expected to operate continuously, retain context over time, and take actions across multiple platforms. Looking ahead to 2026, the company plans to prioritise “practical adoption” in sectors such as health, science, and enterprise applications.
In terms of financial strategy, Friar stressed that OpenAI is maintaining a “light” balance sheet. The company is opting to partner with infrastructure providers rather than owning hardware outright. This approach allows OpenAI to structure contracts that afford flexibility across various suppliers and computing platforms. Such strategies are crucial as the company navigates the complexities of scaling operations in an environment of rising operational costs.
The latest developments from OpenAI underline the rapid scaling of the company amid growing demand for generative AI tools. As the market for artificial intelligence continues to expand, OpenAI’s efforts to monetise its services while managing costs reflect broader trends in the tech industry, where innovation and fiscal responsibility must go hand in hand.
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