OpenAI Shuts Down Sora Video App Amid Strategy Shift and Dropping User Interest

OpenAI announced the closure of the Sora video generation app. The company announced this on social network X and thanked users for the content and community created. Meanwhile, the exact termination dates of the service and API have not yet been disclosed — they promise to announce them later.

What is known

The company explained the decision by changing priorities. The Sora team will focus on real-world simulation research — a direction that has applications in robotics and will help solve physical problems in a real environment.

Signs of declining interest in Sora appeared as early as the beginning of 2026. After a rapid start in the App Store, the app's popularity quickly decreased. According to analysts, downloads and user spending fell consecutively over several months, and in December, a 32% decline was recorded compared to November.

The closure of Sora also coincides with a strategic change for OpenAI following the release of new models focused on professional tasks — programming and analytics.

It is also reported about the end of cooperation between OpenAI and Disney. According to media reports, the company rejected a $1 billion investment that the parties had previously agreed upon.

Source: OpenAI