OpenAI: 2026 AI Progress Hinges on User Adoption, Not Just New Tech

• OpenAI predicts 2026 AI progress will depend on effective use of existing systems, not solely new research.
• Identifies a "capability overhang": a gap between AI's technical potential and its real-world deployment.
• Closing this gap is deemed as crucial for advancing towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
• 2026 will see a dual focus on frontier research and improving AI deployment, usability, and integration.
• Education, better interfaces, and practical training are vital to help users effectively apply AI.

Why It Matters: OpenAI believes 2026 AI success depends on user adoption and closing the "capability overhang."