OpenAI is setting its sights on reaching 1 billion users in the coming year, driven by new AI products, strategic infrastructure investments, and a critical partnership with Apple. With its popular ChatGPT already boasting 250 million weekly active users since its launch, the company is poised for substantial expansion.

The next phase includes the rollout of AI "agents," an OpenAI-powered search engine, and ChatGPT’s seamless integration with Apple devices, broadening its user base significantly. OpenAI's CFO, Sarah Friar, describes this as the company's entry into the "Intelligence Age," where the focus will shift from being a research lab to a global tech giant impacting billions.

Building Infrastructure and Securing Funding

To support this ambitious vision, OpenAI plans to establish data centers across the US Midwest and Southwest, mirroring strategies employed by competitors like Google and Amazon. Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s policy chief, emphasizes that “chips, data, and energy” are the foundation for leading in the AI race.

Following a record-breaking $6 billion investment at a $150 billion valuation in 2023, OpenAI intends to continue raising funds through equity and debt. Friar underscores the need for ongoing investment to stay at the forefront of AI model development, an expensive but necessary endeavor.

Transition and Growth

Over the past year, OpenAI has transformed dramatically, hiring over 2,000 employees and transitioning from a non-profit to a for-profit business model. Despite high costs exceeding $5 billion annually, the company is prioritizing revenue-generating products to manage these expenses.

Although it has experienced notable departures among its research and safety teams, OpenAI has welcomed new talent specializing in consumer product development, aligning its dual goals of long-term research and immediate product commercialization.

Focus on AI Agents and Apple Partnership

AI agents, designed to perform tasks like web searches, booking services, and making purchases, are at the core of OpenAI’s 2025 strategy. Friar predicts these agents will become indispensable tools for daily life, catering to diverse users, from researchers to working parents.

A key driver for user growth is ChatGPT’s integration with Apple devices, a partnership that analysts believe could quickly propel OpenAI to its 1 billion user target. With 2 billion iPhones worldwide, ChatGPT could become a ubiquitous tool for consumers, positioning OpenAI alongside tech giants like Google and Facebook.

Navigating Political and Competitive Landscapes

OpenAI faces an increasingly complex political environment, including tensions with former co-founder Elon Musk, who has filed legal challenges against OpenAI and its partner, Microsoft. Nonetheless, Lehane stresses the importance of OpenAI’s alignment with US policy goals, particularly in advancing "democratic" AI to compete with Chinese-led developments.

Lehane envisions a future where public-private AI partnerships ensure equitable access to technology. OpenAI aims to play a central role in shaping this dialogue, contributing to a historical transition as societies adapt to rapidly evolving AI capabilities.

The Road Ahead

With a focus on cutting-edge innovation, strategic partnerships, and global leadership in AI, OpenAI is positioning itself to redefine the future of technology. By investing in both infrastructure and consumer-focused solutions, the company is poised to transform how AI impacts daily life, setting a high bar for its competitors.