ChatGPT is currently experiencing a significant outage, affecting thousands of users globally. The issues began around 15:00 Eastern Time on October 12, 2023, with reports of problems rapidly increasing thereafter. According to Down Detector, over 10,000 users reported difficulties accessing the service within just 15 minutes of the initial reports.
Service Disruption Details
The outage has impacted users across all devices and platforms where ChatGPT is available. As the situation developed, frustration grew among users seeking assistance or information regarding the disruption. Despite the widespread reports, OpenAI has yet to issue a public statement addressing the outage or the potential causes behind it.
On the day prior to the outage, OpenAI had launched the Codex app for Mac, which garnered significant attention and popularity. According to Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the app achieved over 200,000 downloads on its first day. This surge in interest may have contributed to the current issues, although it remains unclear if the two events are directly related.
Recent Developments and Potential Causes
In conjunction with OpenAI’s release, Apple also introduced an update to Xcode, enhancing agentic coding support for both Codex and Claude. While it is unlikely that these updates are solely responsible for the outage, the increase in user activity related to Codex may be playing a role.
As users await further updates from OpenAI, the situation underscores the challenges that come with rapidly growing technology platforms. The company is known for its innovative approaches, but this incident highlights the importance of reliable service, particularly as more users turn to AI-driven solutions for various needs.
OpenAI’s next steps in addressing the outage will be closely monitored by both users and industry observers. As the demand for AI applications continues to rise, ensuring platform stability will be crucial for maintaining user trust and satisfaction.
