OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has warned that artificial intelligence could soon replace up to 40% of today’s work while pushing humanity closer to superintelligence by the end of the decade.
Speaking after receiving the Axel Springer Award, Altman said AI is advancing at a pace that could soon leave humans behind. “In many ways, GPT-5 is already smarter than me,” he noted, adding that future models may make scientific discoveries beyond human reach. “By 2030, if we don’t have extraordinarily capable models, I’d be very surprised.”
Altman acknowledged the looming risk of mass layoffs but framed the shift as a reordering of tasks rather than wholesale job losses. “I can easily imagine a world where 30–40% of the tasks in the economy today get done by AI,” he said, while stressing that new forms of work will also emerge.
On fears of human irrelevance, Altman rejected doomsday scenarios. He stressed that AI is a tool without intent but must be carefully aligned with human values to avoid unintended harm.
He also hinted at OpenAI’s hardware ambitions, revealing plans for a “small family of devices” designed with former Apple talent to streamline how people interact with computers.
Altman, who became a father this year, said adaptability, creativity, and resilience will be vital skills in an AI-driven future. While world leaders may increasingly rely on AI, he dismissed the notion of AI presidents anytime soon.
“AI will be at the centre of everything,” he said, while joking that it still isn’t much help with relationship advice.