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OpenAI, the US-based developer of artificial intelligence technologies and ChatGPT, reported a sharp increase in revenue in the third quarter of 2026, with sales rising approximately 50% quarter on quarter to reach $10 billion.

The growth was fueled by stronger demand for the company’s latest AI models and wider adoption of its enterprise products and developer tools.

This marks the first time OpenAI has generated $10 billion in quarterly revenue. The figure is also nearly three times the revenue recorded in the same period last year, signaling an acceleration in the company’s commercial growth following a period of slower sales expansion.

AI Products and Developer Tools Drive Growth

OpenAI’s latest AI models played a major role in supporting revenue growth, alongside increased adoption of enterprise solutions and developer-focused products.

Demand is also growing for AI agents capable of performing tasks and automating business processes, opening additional opportunities for the company across the corporate market.

The launch of new models, including GPT 5.6 and Astra, as well as image-generation models, further boosted sales through the company’s application programming interfaces (APIs).

ChatGPT’s advertising business also recorded notable growth, with its estimated annualized revenue reaching $1 billion in August.

Enterprise Revenue Doubles

OpenAI’s enterprise revenue doubled in the third quarter compared with the previous quarter, accounting for approximately half of the company’s total revenue, according to Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar.

The increase highlights the growing importance of corporate customers to OpenAI’s business model, alongside continued expansion in its consumer segment.

ChatGPT has approximately 1.2 billion weekly active users, while the number of paying users across the company’s services approached 100 million during the third quarter.

Operating Losses Remain a Challenge

Despite its strong revenue performance, OpenAI continues to face significant profitability challenges.

Adjusted operating losses rose to $10.9 billion in Q3 2026, compared with approximately $10.1 billion in the second quarter. The increase reflects the substantial costs associated with developing advanced AI models and expanding the computing infrastructure required to operate the company’s services.

However, the adjusted operating margin improved to negative 109%, compared with negative 150% in the previous quarter, indicating some progress in operational efficiency despite continued losses.

Competition Intensifies with Anthropic

OpenAI’s results come amid intensifying competition with Anthropic, the developer of the Claude AI model.

Anthropic generated approximately $17 billion in revenue during the third quarter, surpassing OpenAI in revenue, although its quarterly growth rate slowed to around 47%.

OpenAI is seeking to strengthen its competitive position by expanding its enterprise business, developing coding tools and AI agents, and reducing prices for selected services to attract more customers and developers.

New Funding Round and Delayed IPO Plans

The revenue increase coincides with OpenAI’s efforts to complete a new funding round at a valuation of up to $1.25 trillion.

The company has also postponed its plans for an initial public offering until next year, while continuing to seek substantial funding to finance its AI expansion, advanced model development, and computing infrastructure investments.