OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warns staff amid Google Gemini 3 comeback

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has urged his team to prepare for a challenging period, acknowledging that Google Gemini 3 is reshaping the competitive landscape in ways the company cannot ignore.

In an internal memo leaked to The Information, OpenAI CEO noted that the company must stay focused despite “rough vibes,” noting that Google’s renewed push, backed by unmatched resources, could pressure OpenAI’s business in the short term.

According to the report, Altman praised Google’s rapid advances in pre-training and integration across Search, Android, and Workspace, warning staff that such widespread deployment gives Google Gemini 3 a powerful advantage.

“We have built enough strength as a company to weather great models shipping elsewhere competition… (so), having most of our research team focused on really getting to superintelligence is critically important,” Altman wrote in the internal memo.

The OpenAI chief also admitted the company is encountering “economic headwinds,” as engagement with ChatGPT has softened.

That said, Altman struck an optimistic tone, insisting OpenAI is “catching up fast” and must stay committed to its long-term goal of building superintelligence.

He also reminded employees that OpenAI must simultaneously operate as a research lab, platform, and infrastructure company, a demanding mix he calls difficult but necessary.