Anthropic Weighs New AI Model as OpenAI Competition Intensifies Ahead of IPO

Anthropic is considering launching a new AI model as it responds to growing momentum from OpenAI’s recently released GPT-6 Astra, according to three people familiar with the matter. The potential release comes as Anthropic prepares for a possible initial public offering and weighs how quickly to advance its AI capabilities.

The discussions also come shortly after Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called for the AI industry to slow the pace of developing increasingly capable models because safety measures are struggling to keep up with advances in AI systems.

Anthropic Responds to OpenAI’s Astra Momentum

OpenAI’s GPT-6 Astra has quickly gained attention among businesses since its September launch. Reuters reported that the model’s momentum has prompted some prospective Anthropic investors to reassess the competitive landscape as the two companies compete for enterprise AI spending.

Anthropic remains a major enterprise AI provider through its Claude family of models. The company’s annualized revenue run rate had surpassed $65 billion by July, according to Reuters, compared with about $40 billion for OpenAI at the time.

New Model Comes After Amodei’s Call for a Slowdown

The possible model launch creates a contrast with Amodei’s recent public position on AI development. On September 12, he published an essay calling for the industry to slow the pace at which AI capabilities are improved, arguing that safety and oversight need more time to catch up.

The company therefore faces a balance between continuing to compete in a fast-moving AI market and addressing concerns about the risks associated with increasingly capable systems. Reuters reported that the timing and exact specifications of a potential new Anthropic model have not been finalized.

IPO Plans Add Commercial Pressure

Anthropic is also preparing for a potential IPO, making its growth, revenue and competitive position important considerations for prospective investors. Reuters reported that the company could delay its public offering until after the U.S. midterm elections, although its timing remains subject to change.

The potential model release would give Anthropic another opportunity to demonstrate continued progress as OpenAI expands its enterprise presence. However, Anthropic has not publicly confirmed a launch date or detailed the capabilities of the model under consideration.

AI Model Race Continues

The development adds another chapter to the competition between leading AI companies as they seek to improve model capabilities while managing growing expectations around safety and commercial returns.

For Anthropic, the decision is particularly significant because the company is approaching the public markets while navigating a rapidly changing competitive environment. Whether it releases a new model ahead of its IPO will depend on its product plans, safety considerations and the broader market environment.