OpenAI's 'Code red': How the AI lab stays sharp

Technology Dec 22, 2025

OpenAI has experienced multiple "Code Red" situations, including after Google launched Gemini 3.
Even with new launches like ChatGPT 5.2 and a fresh image model, the alert is still on.
CEO Sam Altman says these emergency alerts help the team move fast and keep up in the ever-changing AI race.

Making 'Code red' a regular thing

Altman shared on the Big Technology Podcast that while Gemini 3 didn't shake things up much, it did show where OpenAI could do better.
Now, "Code Red" will be part of their routine—expect it once or twice a year to push quick upgrades and stay ahead of rivals like Google.