The OpenAI video app Sora has been discontinued, roughly six months after its launch. The move marks a significant shift in the company's focus, as OpenAI aims to streamline its efforts ahead of a planned IPO. According to OpenAI's chief financial officer, Sarah Friar, the company needs to be "ready to be a public company." This decision comes as the company's growth in other areas, such as ChatGPT, has stalled in recent months.

The Sora app peaked at 3.3 million worldwide downloads in November 2025, but this number dropped to just 1.1 million by February 2026. OpenAI's leaders have given a stern mandate to refocus the company around a few key areas, including a "super app" that will combine ChatGPT, Codex, and Atlas. This move aims to help the company turn ChatGPT into a true super assistant.

OpenAI's decision to discontinue Sora and refocus its efforts is a significant development in the tech industry. The company's leaders are hoping that a consumer agent built around Codex will resonate more with ChatGPT users. As OpenAI readies itself for an IPO, it is clear that the company is prioritizing its efforts to create a unified consumer interface.

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The discontinuation of Sora marks a crucial turning point for OpenAI, as the company seeks to streamline its efforts and focus on key areas. With a planned IPO on the horizon, OpenAI's leaders are under pressure to deliver a unified consumer interface that showcases the capabilities of ChatGPT. The success of this super app will be crucial in determining the company's future prospects.