Anthropic Plans New AI Model to Counter OpenAI’s GPT‑6 Astra
Anthropic is considering a new AI model to compete with OpenAI’s GPT‑6 Astra, following investor worries and a broader industry debate over safety and speed of innovation. The company is balancing competitive pressure, safety reviews, and profitability as it prepares for a potential IPO.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Anthropic, the AI startup founded by former OpenAI employee Dario Amodei, is reportedly weighing the launch of a new language model to keep up with OpenAI’s recent release of GPT‑6 Astra. The move comes as investors and industry observers grow uneasy about the rapid pace of AI development and the growing market share of OpenAI’s newest offering.
Why the Competition Has Intensified
OpenAI’s GPT‑6 Astra hit the market in early September, quickly gaining traction among enterprises for its advanced capabilities in computer use, software engineering, cybersecurity and professional work. According to data from corporate expense platform Ramp, Astra now accounts for about 13% of enterprise AI spending, surpassing Anthropic’s Claude Fable, which holds roughly 8% of that market. The model also led OpenRouter, a platform that routes developer traffic across AI models, marking the first time OpenAI has topped Anthropic in that metric in more than two and a half years.
These gains have prompted some potential Anthropic IPO investors to question whether the company can maintain its position as the leading provider of enterprise AI tools. While Anthropic’s annualized revenue run rate reached $65 billion by the end of July—up from $9 billion in late 2025—the rapid rise of OpenAI’s model threatens to erode that lead.
Safety Concerns and Industry Calls for Slowing Pace
Amid this competitive pressure, Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei has been vocal about the need to slow the release of new AI capabilities. In a 3,800‑word essay published on September 12, Amodei warned that unchecked rapid development could lead to swarms of AI agents taking over the internet and outpacing human control. The essay received support from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, underscoring a shared concern across the industry.
Amodei’s call comes at a time when investors are increasingly focused on the safety and ethical implications of AI. Some analysts suggest that a rushed rollout could damage public trust and invite regulatory scrutiny, which would be costly for companies preparing for public markets.
Balancing Speed, Safety, and Profitability
Anthropic’s internal discussions now revolve around how to balance investment in a new model with the need to strengthen profitability. Rising interest rates have made investors more cautious about the timing of expected profits, and the company’s potential IPO is likely to be delayed until after the November U.S. midterm elections. The IPO has already been postponed from earlier plans, with marketing expected to begin no earlier than mid‑October.
OpenAI has also delayed its own public listing, with CEO Sam Altman confirming that the company will not go public in 2026. Altman cited safety concerns as a key reason for the delay, a stance that aligns with Anthropic’s emphasis on responsible AI development.
Market Dynamics and Emerging Threats
Beyond the direct rivalry between Anthropic and OpenAI, the broader AI landscape is shifting. Open‑source and open‑weight models are gaining traction, allowing companies to build their own AI infrastructure and reduce token costs. This trend could erode the economics of the industry, as firms no longer need to rely on commercial providers for every model.
Meta Platforms, one of Anthropic’s largest customers, is reportedly reducing its use of Anthropic’s models as it develops more AI capabilities internally. This move highlights the competitive pressure from major tech firms that can build proprietary AI solutions, further challenging Anthropic’s market position.
What’s Next for Anthropic?
While the company has declined to comment on the specifics of its potential new model, insiders suggest that any launch would aim to defend Anthropic’s enterprise market share while maintaining its safety-first identity. The timing of the release will be critical, as the company seeks to demonstrate that it can compete with OpenAI’s rapid innovation without compromising on safety or profitability.
Investors will likely keep a close eye on Anthropic’s next steps, especially as the company prepares for a public listing. The outcome of this competition could shape the future of enterprise AI, influencing which providers dominate the market and how quickly new capabilities are rolled out.
Key facts
- Anthropic may launch a new model to counter OpenAI’s GPT‑6 Astra
- OpenAI’s Astra leads in enterprise AI spending and developer traffic routing
- Both CEOs advocate slowing AI development for safety
- Investor focus on profitability and rising rates influence launch timing
- Open‑source models and in‑house AI threaten commercial providers
- Anthropic’s IPO likely delayed until after November elections
Why it matters
The race between Anthropic and OpenAI reflects the broader tension between rapid AI innovation and responsible development, with significant implications for enterprise adoption, investor confidence, and the future structure of the AI industry.
Frequently asked questions
What is GPT‑6 Astra?
GPT‑6 Astra is OpenAI’s latest language model, launched in September, offering advanced capabilities in areas like software engineering and cybersecurity.
Why is Anthropic delaying its IPO?
Anthropic is postponing its public listing to focus on safety reviews, profitability, and market positioning against competitors.
How does Anthropic plan to compete?
The company is evaluating a new model that balances competitive performance with a safety‑first approach, aiming to defend its enterprise market share.
What role does Meta play in this story?
Meta, a major Anthropic customer, is reducing its use of Anthropic’s models as it builds internal AI capabilities.
Will the new model launch affect investors?
Yes, investors are closely watching Anthropic’s strategy as it prepares for a potential IPO, weighing safety, speed, and profitability.
Sources
- [1] techcentral.co.za — originally reported as “Anthropic weighs new model launch to blunt OpenAI's Astra surge”
