Microsoft Unveils MAI-1-Preview AI Model to Reduce OpenAI Dependence

URGENT UPDATE: Microsoft has just announced the public testing of its new AI model, MAI-1-preview, as part of a strategic move to lessen its reliance on OpenAI. This development, revealed on 1 September 2025, represents a critical shift in the tech giant’s approach to artificial intelligence, with potential implications for its popular Copilot assistant.

The MAI-1-preview model is currently undergoing tests on LMArena, a platform designed for evaluating AI technologies. Microsoft plans to integrate this model into Copilot over the next few weeks, leveraging user feedback to enhance its features. Developers eager to participate can request early access through a dedicated form.

Despite this bold step towards autonomy, Microsoft continues to maintain a significant investment in OpenAI, having poured over $13 billion into the company, which holds a valuation of approximately $500 billion (€428.4 billion). OpenAI’s technology powers various Microsoft products, including Bing and Windows 11, establishing a complex relationship that is now evolving into a competitive dynamic.

OpenAI has seen its ChatGPT application soar to a staggering 700 million users weekly, prompting the company to diversify its cloud partnerships beyond Microsoft, collaborating with firms like CoreWeave, Google, and Oracle. This surge in popularity has led Microsoft to officially categorize OpenAI as a competitor in its annual report, joining other tech titans like Amazon and Apple.

MAI-1-preview is notable for being Microsoft’s first fully self-trained foundational AI model, ranking 13th on LMArena for text workloads. The model was developed using approximately 15,000 Nvidia H100 graphics processing units and a cluster of Nvidia GB200 chips, highlighting the scale of Microsoft’s investment in AI infrastructure.

Key players in this development include Suleyman, who joined Microsoft last year after co-founding DeepMind and working with OpenAI at Inflection. His extensive experience underscores Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing its AI capabilities and expertise.

As Microsoft embarks on this new chapter, the tech world is poised to witness the impact of MAI-1-preview on the competitive landscape of artificial intelligence. With rapid advancements expected, industry watchers will be keenly monitoring how this model evolves and its implications for consumer applications.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.