OpenAI and Microsoft have amended their partnership agreement to provide "long-term clarity" while maintaining their collaboration through 2032.

The restructured deal ends Microsoft's exclusive access to OpenAI intellectual property and allows the AI lab to serve customers across any cloud provider, not just Azure.

Under the new terms, Microsoft retains its position as OpenAI's primary cloud partner, with OpenAI products shipping first on Azure unless Microsoft cannot support the necessary capabilities. However, Microsoft's license to OpenAI IP becomes non-exclusive rather than the previous exclusive arrangement.

Financial structure overhaul

The agreement eliminates Microsoft's revenue share payments to OpenAI entirely. Revenue share payments from OpenAI to Microsoft will continue through 2030 at the same percentage but are now subject to a total cap, regardless of OpenAI's technology progress.

Microsoft maintains its position as a major shareholder in OpenAI, continuing to participate directly in the company's growth.

The companies described the amendment as providing "greater predictability" that strengthens their joint ability to build and operate AI platforms at scale while giving both parties flexibility to pursue new opportunities.

Continued collaboration

Despite the structural changes, OpenAI and Microsoft plan to maintain their technical partnership. The companies highlighted ongoing work including scaling gigawatts of new datacenter capacity, collaborating on next-generation silicon, and applying AI to advance cybersecurity.

The partnership amendment comes as OpenAI continues expanding its enterprise offerings and Microsoft integrates AI capabilities across its product suite. The new structure appears designed to give both companies more operational flexibility while preserving their strategic alliance.

OpenAI said the changes reflect the "rapid pace of innovation" requiring the partnership to evolve to benefit customers and both companies.