OpenAI’s Sam Altman Says ChatGPT Won’t Replace Google Search as Alphabet Shareholders Worry; Calls AI 'Genius-Level Intelligence'

Concerns among Alphabet shareholders about the long-term impact of artificial intelligence on Google's core search business have intensified over the past year, contributing to volatility in the company's stock. An Apple executive recently suggested that AI chatbots could erode Google's search dominance, though industry leaders emphasize a more nuanced reality. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged that while competitors like DeepSeek have made notable advances—such as strong open-source models and user applications with downloads surpassing ChatGPT—they do not currently pose a threat to Google's position as the default AI search system. Altman also stated that ChatGPT is unlikely to replace Google search, citing Google's extensive resources and robust AI team. Furthermore, Altman described the rise of AI as comparable to a Renaissance-level transformation and characterized current AI capabilities as "genius-level intelligence." Amid ongoing competition in the AI market, Altman has reached out to Elon Musk, highlighting the importance of artificial general intelligence (AGI) over personal or corporate rivalries. The discourse reflects a complex landscape where AI innovation challenges traditional search models but has yet to displace established leaders like Google.