‘GPT-5 Already Smarter Than Me’: Sam Altman Says AI May Automate 40% Of Work Soon

Last Updated:September 27, 2025, 17:12 IST

Sam Altman predicts AI like GPT-5 may soon surpass human intelligence, while urging adaptability and ethical alignment.

The OpenAI CEO warned this leap forward could trigger widespread job displacement. (File)

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has once again stirred the debate around artificial intelligence and its impact on human jobs. Speaking after receiving this year’s Axel Springer Award, Altman reflected on the speed of progress, noting, “In many ways, GPT-5 is already smarter than me, and I think a lot of other people too,” Business Insider reported.

According to Altman, while AI still struggles with simple human tasks, the rate of development is accelerating at an “extremely steep” pace. He even projected that by 2030, AI models could perform tasks humans can’t manage on their own, including groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

“To me, that’ll start to feel like something we could properly call superintelligence,” he said.

The OpenAI CEO warned this leap forward could trigger widespread job displacement. However, he emphasised that rather than jobs vanishing entirely, AI would likely automate 30–40 per cent of current tasks across the economy.

“I can easily imagine a world where 30 to 40 per cent of the tasks that happen in the economy today get done by AI in the not very distant future,” he added.

He believes the future of work will depend on adaptability, and people must build “the meta-skill of learning how to learn.”

Despite concerns, Altman dismissed views of AI rendering humans obsolete. “I don’t think it’ll treat humans like ants,” he said, stressing the importance of aligning AI systems with human values to prevent unintended consequences.

Altman also hinted at OpenAI’s future in hardware. The firm is exploring new hardware, collaborating with a former Apple designer to create a “small family of devices” aimed at revolutionizing how people interact with computers.

He joked that while AI might soon become the centrepiece of every table, it’s not his go-to for everything. When asked about using it for relationship advice, he laughed and said, “I’ve tried it, but no, that’s not one of my big personal use cases.”

Through it all, Altman insists that AI should enhance, not replace, human centrality.

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