OpenAI o3
o3 is OpenAI’s flagship reasoning model, scaling deliberate test-time compute to solve novel mathematics and science problems that earlier LLMs could not.
Released
January 31, 2026
Type
reasoning
License
proprietary
Context
200,000 tokens
Pricing
Input
$15.00 / 1M tokens
Output
$60.00 / 1M tokens
Benchmarks
| GPQA Diamond | 87.7% |
| AIME 2024 | 96.7% |
| ARC-AGI | 87.5% |
Capabilities
Architecture
Parameters: undisclosed
Links
OpenAI o3 in the news
Fortune · Sep 14, 2026
OpenAI may have violated California’s AI safety law with latest model releases, AI watchdog says
The Midas Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring artificial intelligence benefits society broadly, has leveled serious accusations against OpenAI, alleging multiple violations of California's pioneering AI safety legislation over the past year. The watchdog's latest analysis specifically points to the recent release of OpenAI's model, Astra, as a potential instance of non-compliance. The Midas Project asserts that OpenAI has contravened California's Transparency in Frontier AI Act, often referred to by its legislative designation SB 53, on at least three occasions this year. The crux of these allegations lies in OpenAI's purported failure to publish a mandated risk assessment concerning the very existential threat of AI systems escaping human control – a danger that OpenAI itself has recently been vocal about. California's Transparency in Frontier AI Act, signed into law in September 2025 and effective from the start of the current year, represents a significant regulatory step for the burgeoning AI industry. The law imposes stringent requirements on the largest developers of artificial intelligence, compelling them to publicly disclose comprehensive safety frameworks. These frameworks must meticulously detail how the companies evaluate and intend to mitigate the inherent risks associated with advanced AI systems. Furthermore, the legislation unequivocally mandates that these companies must then operate in accordance with the very policies they establish and publish. In May of this year, OpenAI released its Frontier Governance Framework (FGF), the document intended to satisfy the law's requirement for a published safety policy. The FGF outlines OpenAI's commitment to assessing each new AI model across four critical risk categories: Cyber offense, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats, Harmful manipulation, and the overarching concern of Loss of Control. For each identified risk tier, which ranges from one to three, OpenAI has committed to implementing a specific set of mitigation strategies. However, the Midas Project contends that the required risk assessment for these categories, particularly for the 'Loss of Control' aspect, has not been adequately published as per the law's stipulations. Tyler Johnston, the founder of the Midas Project, emphasized the core tenet of SB 53 in a statement to Fortune. He articulated that while California's law grants AI companies the autonomy to define their own safety rules and policies, the fundamental requirement is unwavering adherence to those self-imposed guidelines once they are established. OpenAI, when contacted by Fortune, expressed its "confidence" in its compliance with SB 53. A representative for the company stated that OpenAI makes substantial investments in the evaluation of emerging risks and the development of robust safeguards, and that the company is committed to publicly sharing its findings.
TechCrunch · Sep 14, 2026
Only at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: What happens when OpenAI ships your roadmap?
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will host an interactive session focused on the strategic challenges faced by artificial intelligence companies as foundational models continue to advance. The session, scheduled for the Builders Stage, aims to address the critical question of how businesses can sustain their value proposition in an environment where core AI capabilities are rapidly evolving and potentially being integrated into larger platforms. The primary risk highlighted is not the development of a subpar product, but rather the creation of a strong product that could eventually be subsumed as a feature within a more dominant AI model. This discussion is particularly relevant for startups and established companies alike that rely on proprietary AI technology or build products on top of existing foundation models. The rapid pace of development in AI, exemplified by ongoing advancements from major players like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic, means that product differentiation and long-term strategic planning are paramount. Companies must consider how to innovate and adapt to ensure their offerings remain distinct and valuable to customers, rather than becoming obsolete or redundant. The session encourages attendees to think critically about their business models and product roadmaps. It suggests that a proactive approach to understanding the trajectory of AI development is essential for survival and growth. The implication is that companies need to move beyond simply building advanced features and instead focus on creating unique value, proprietary data advantages, or specialized applications that are difficult for larger, general-purpose models to replicate. This could involve focusing on niche markets, developing superior user experiences, or building ecosystems around their products. Attendees are advised to register for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 before September 25 to take advantage of early bird discounts, saving up to $200 on registration fees. The conference itself is a significant event in the technology calendar, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to discuss emerging trends and foster innovation. The specific focus on AI roadmaps underscores the current industry-wide concern about the impact of increasingly powerful and versatile AI models on the competitive landscape and the future of technology businesses.
Fast Company · Sep 14, 2026
Chip stocks down: AMD, Nvidia, Intel, and Sandisk lead market selloff after AI bosses call for a pause
Shares of prominent semiconductor companies experienced a significant decline in premarket trading on Monday, spearheading a broader stock market selloff. This downturn was directly influenced by statements made over the weekend by leading figures in the artificial intelligence sector, who advocated for a deceleration in AI development, citing potential safety risks. Among the companies seeing their stock prices fall were Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD), Intel Corp. (INTC), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM), and Nvidia Corporation (NVDA), all of which were trading lower in early Monday morning activity. The impetus for this market reaction stemmed from an open letter published on Saturday by Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, the company behind the Claude AI model. In his 4,000-word essay titled “We Must Pace the Frontier,” Amodei articulated concerns that artificial intelligence is advancing at a pace that could soon render it difficult for humans to maintain control. This perspective was quickly echoed and endorsed by other prominent figures in the AI industry. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, publicly agreed with Amodei's sentiment by posting on the social media platform X, “I agree with Dario.” Similarly, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, shared his views in an extensive post on LinkedIn, expressing a comparable idea. Nadella stated, “Any pursuit of superintelligence has to be grounded in the core principle that if the AI we build is not helping humanity and under human control, it’s not worth pursuing.” A central concern highlighted by these AI leaders is the potential for AI systems to reach a stage of "recursive self-improvement," where AI could autonomously design more intelligent iterations of itself. This theoretical point of rapid, uncontrollable advancement has been a subject of debate within the AI community. The urgency surrounding the pace of AI development intensified last week after an AI researcher resigned from Anthropic, publicly criticizing major AI companies for not adequately prioritizing safety measures. Both Anthropic and OpenAI are reportedly preparing for initial public offerings (IPOs) that are anticipated to be among the largest in financial history, underscoring their significant market positions and the immense investor interest in the AI sector. Economists and market analysts have previously expressed concerns that the current boom in AI infrastructure spending may be artificially inflating stock markets and the broader economy. This reliance on AI-driven growth leaves investors particularly vulnerable to any potential economic downturn or significant shifts in the AI landscape. Companies that supply the essential components powering data centers, which are crucial for AI development and deployment, are therefore especially exposed to these market fluctuations and the sentiment surrounding AI's future trajectory. The calls for a pause, originating from the very leaders of the AI revolution, introduce a new layer of uncertainty for investors in the technology sector, particularly those heavily invested in semiconductor manufacturers that form the bedrock of AI hardware.
Bloomberg Markets · Sep 14, 2026
European Tech Stocks Hit by AI Boss Risk Warnings
Global equities experienced a decline, with European technology stocks particularly affected, following pronouncements from leaders of major artificial intelligence firms suggesting a slowdown in the development of advanced AI. This sentiment shift, coupled with a concurrent rise in oil prices, dampened investor appetite for risk assets. The Nasdaq 100 futures contract saw a significant drop of 1.4%, indicating broad market concerns. In Japan, SoftBank Group Corp., a prominent investor in OpenAI, experienced its most substantial decline in three months. Similarly, South Korea's Kospi index slumped by 3.3%, reflecting the widespread impact of these AI-related concerns on Asian markets. In Europe, the Stoxx 600 index showed little change, suggesting a mixed reaction or a lag in the full impact of the news across different regional markets. The core of the market anxiety stems from the potential for regulatory or self-imposed brakes on cutting-edge AI advancements, which could disrupt the substantial capital expenditure currently fueling a boom in the sector. The AI industry has seen unprecedented investment, with companies pouring billions into research, development, and infrastructure to capitalize on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Leaders from prominent AI organizations, such as OpenAI, have publicly voiced concerns about the rapid pace of development and the need for caution, potentially signaling a shift in strategic direction or a call for industry-wide collaboration on safety and ethical considerations. These statements, made by figures at the forefront of AI innovation, carry significant weight and are being closely scrutinized by investors, policymakers, and the public. The implications of a deliberate slowdown could range from reduced demand for specialized hardware and cloud computing services to a re-evaluation of investment strategies in AI-focused startups and established technology giants. The interconnectedness of the global financial markets means that such pronouncements can have ripple effects, influencing stock prices, venture capital flows, and the overall economic outlook for technology-dependent sectors. Analysts are closely monitoring how these warnings will translate into concrete actions by AI companies and whether they will lead to a more measured, albeit potentially slower, trajectory for AI innovation. The market's reaction underscores the sensitivity of technology stocks to news concerning the future direction and pace of AI development, a field that has become a primary driver of economic growth and technological advancement in recent years. The interplay between rapid innovation, potential risks, and the need for responsible development is now a central theme in discussions surrounding the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on the global economy.
Bloomberg Markets · Sep 14, 2026
AI Bosses Risk Pushback Over Calls to Slow Tech
Leading artificial intelligence companies, notably Anthropic and OpenAI, have recently issued public calls for a temporary deceleration in the rapid advancement of AI technologies. These appeals are primarily motivated by profound concerns regarding the safety and potential societal risks associated with increasingly sophisticated AI systems. Anthropic, co-founded by former OpenAI researchers, has been a vocal proponent of AI safety, emphasizing the need for caution. OpenAI, a major player in AI research and development, has also expressed similar reservations, highlighting the potential for unintended consequences as AI capabilities grow exponentially. However, these calls for a developmental pause are not being met with universal agreement and are poised to encounter significant resistance from several influential quarters. The broader technology industry, a sector heavily invested in the relentless pursuit of innovation and market expansion, is likely to oppose any measures that could impede progress or slow down the lucrative race for AI dominance. Financial markets, which are acutely sensitive to technological disruptions and the promise of future investment opportunities, may also voice concerns. A slowdown in AI development could impact stock valuations of AI-focused companies and alter investment strategies. Furthermore, the political arena, particularly under the potential resurgence of a Trump administration, represents another significant source of anticipated opposition. Such administrations have historically prioritized economic growth and technological competitiveness on a global scale, viewing rapid technological advancement as a key driver of national prosperity and influence. Newley Purnell, reporting for Bloomberg, has illuminated these potential points of friction. The core of this debate lies in the intricate challenge of balancing the immense, transformative potential of artificial intelligence against the inherent risks posed by its unchecked and rapid proliferation. Proponents of a developmental slowdown argue that current safety protocols and regulatory frameworks are insufficient to adequately manage the profound societal impacts that advanced AI systems could unleash. They advocate for the establishment of more robust ethical guidelines, rigorous risk assessment protocols, and enhanced international cooperation to ensure AI is developed and deployed responsibly. Conversely, critics of a development pause contend that such a halt could stifle crucial innovation, potentially cede technological leadership to international competitors, and delay the realization of AI's substantial benefits in critical fields such as medicine, climate science, and overall economic productivity. They posit that the identified risks can be effectively managed through continuous research, iterative safety improvements, and adaptive regulatory approaches, rather than through outright cessation of development. The divergence in these perspectives underscores the complex and multifaceted challenges inherent in navigating the future trajectory of artificial intelligence, where unprecedented progress intersects with critical safety considerations and profound ethical dilemmas. The ultimate outcome of this ongoing debate is likely to significantly shape the future of AI research, investment strategies, and global deployment, with far-reaching implications for economic policies and international relations.