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OpenAI Halts ChatGPT App Suggestions as ‘Code Red’ Refocuses on Core Performance

OpenAI denies running ads in ChatGPT, pointing to a temporary shutdown of app-style prompts that some users mistook for promotions.

Overview

  • Chief research officer Mark Chen said the rollout of promotional-style app suggestions “fell short” and confirmed the feature is disabled while OpenAI improves precision and user controls.
  • ChatGPT head Nick Turley stated there are no live ad tests and pledged a careful approach if advertising is pursued in the future.
  • An internal “code red” from CEO Sam Altman has reallocated teams to improve ChatGPT and delayed other initiatives, including advertising, according to company communications reported by multiple outlets.
  • Google’s Gemini 3, released in November, posted top benchmark scores and is seeing stronger engagement, drawing praise from high-profile users and intensifying competitive pressure on ChatGPT.
  • Media reports say OpenAI is fast-tracking GPT-5.2 for a possible early-December announcement, which the company has not confirmed, as analysts warn the firm faces vast capital needs to sustain growth.