OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on relationship with Microsoft: ‘There are points of tension but…’

Sam Altman

Despite recurring reports of strain between OpenAI and Microsoft, CEO Sam Altman has reaffirmed that the partnership remains strong—though not without its occasional friction.

Speaking publicly about the relationship on a podcast with The New York Times, Altman was asked whether he believed recent headlines suggesting a rift had developed between the two companies. “Do you believe that, when you read those things?” he responded, brushing off the speculation.

He went on to say he had a “super nice call” with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella earlier in the week, during which the two discussed their continued collaboration. “Obviously in any deep partnership, there are points of tension and we certainly have those,” Altman admitted. “But on the whole, it’s been like really wonderfully good for both companies.”

Microsoft is OpenAI’s largest backer, having invested billions to integrate the company’s AI models into its products and services, from Azure to Copilot. In return, Microsoft provides OpenAI with massive cloud infrastructure and distribution muscle.

However, reports dating back to 2023 have hinted at behind-the-scenes disagreements, especially as Microsoft moves to build more of its own AI capabilities in-house, including models like Phi and partnerships with Mistral and Inflection.

Altman’s latest remarks suggest that while tension may be part of the dynamic, the core alliance between the two AI giants is intact and remains mutually beneficial.