OpenAI has filed confidentially for an IPO but will not be going public this year, according to CEO Sam Altman. In a recent interview with Fortune editor in chief Alyson Shontell, Altman addressed questions about whether OpenAI feels pressured to accelerate its plans due to an IPO. He stated that the company is not rushing into going public and described the current moment as "ill-advised" for an IPO given ongoing concerns about AI safety. Altman emphasized that OpenAI will pursue an IPO only when the business and societal conditions are right. When asked if this means the IPO will not happen in 2026, he confirmed that it likely will not, noting that the company still has significant work ahead. Earlier reports suggested OpenAI had considered a 2026 IPO but was leaning toward 2027 due to tech market volatility and financial challenges. This cautious approach highlights the company's focus on responsible AI development and market readiness before entering public markets.