OpenAI is set to transform ChatGPT into a superapp, integrating various functionalities as it prepares for an IPO in late 2026.
Overview
- OpenAI is planning to transform ChatGPT into a "superapp" that will incorporate Codex, AI agents, and third-party applications.
- This initiative, internally referred to as "Aria," is designed to drive user engagement with premium offerings ahead of a planned IPO in Q4 2026.
- Since its desktop launch in February, Codex has grown significantly, reaching over 5 million weekly active users, most of whom subscribe to the paid version.
OpenAI currently claims nearly 1 billion users for ChatGPT, with the majority using the free service, a challenge the company intends to address before going public.
The Financial Times reports that OpenAI is set to evolve ChatGPT into a comprehensive platform for coding, task automation, and image creation. This project, codenamed "Aria," aims to serve as a unified interface for various functionalities.
While OpenAI has not officially confirmed the codename or release date, updates for both the website and mobile app are expected soon.
Thibault Sottiaux, who leads OpenAI's core product, emphasized the goal of creating an assistant that can support users in all areas of life, both personal and professional.
Following WeChat's Model
The superapp concept draws inspiration from WeChat, Tencent's multi-functional application that evolved from messaging to a platform handling 45 billion messages daily for 1.4 billion users. WeChat facilitates various transactions, including $40 trillion annually through services like WeChat Pay and Alipay.
Elon Musk has been pursuing a similar vision for X (formerly Twitter) since his acquisition in 2022, aiming to make it the Western counterpart to WeChat. In 2025, he launched XChat for messaging and X Money for payments, partnering with Visa for peer-to-peer transfers. However, X's payment features have not yet gained significant traction.
OpenAI is not attempting to create a social network but is focused on enhancing its existing productivity platform.
The Codex tool enables users to generate and debug software, while the ChatGPT Agent, introduced in July 2025, can independently browse the web and execute tasks. Workspace agents, launched in April 2026, streamline workflows within enterprise software like Slack.
This suite of tools will be consolidated into a single interface as part of the superapp initiative.
Financial Outlook for the IPO
OpenAI's annual revenue has surpassed $20 billion, with business clients accounting for 40% of this figure. Unlike the predominantly free ChatGPT users, most Codex users pay for the service. Jenny Xiao, a former OpenAI researcher, noted that OpenAI was previously focused on ambitious goals while competitors like Anthropic prioritized profitability. Now, both companies seem to be aligning their strategies for an IPO, with investors favoring revenue generation.
Anthropic has emerged as a direct competitor, achieving over $2.5 billion in annual revenue by early 2026, with enterprise sales constituting 80% of its revenue. Anthropic has also taken the lead in the IPO process, having submitted its documentation to the SEC, while OpenAI has filed confidentially for its IPO as well.
Alex Embiricos, OpenAI's head of enterprise product, shared his vision of a future where a single entity could meet all user needs as artificial general intelligence (AGI) is realized. OpenAI is also in the process of acquiring Python toolmaker Astral to integrate developer tools into Codex, with the IPO expected in Q4 2026.
