OpenAI has rolled out Sora 2, its latest push into AI-generated video, complete with a fresh iOS app that's turning heads in the tech world. Launched just yesterday on October 1, 2025, the update promises more realistic clips, better physics simulation, and even synced audio like dialogue and sound effects. It's a step up from the original Sora, aiming to make short-form video creation as easy as typing a prompt.
But here's the catch: access is tightly controlled. The Sora app is invite-only right now, meaning users need a special invite code to sign in and start generating those 10-second vertical videos. OpenAI's strategy seems designed to manage server loads and test features, but it has sparked frustration among eager creators. Indeed, Reddit forums are buzzing with megathreads where people swap codes or beg for spares—some threads already clock over 14,000 comments. Pro subscribers might get priority, yet even they could wait days for approval.
What can you do with it? Describe a scene, upload a photo, or remix friends' videos into something new, all shared in a TikTok-style feed. The app ties into your existing OpenAI account, adding safeguards like age checks during onboarding. However, it's iOS-exclusive for now, leaving Android users sidelined unless they snag a code for the web version on sora.com. Moreover, whispers of codes being sold online raise eyebrows about OpenAI's rollout—exclusive, yes, but perhaps too much so for a tool meant to democratize creativity.
Early testers rave about the realism, from lifelike movements to immersive audio, positioning Sora 2 as a rival to Meta's video AI efforts. Still, with limits on clip length and the invite barrier, it's clear OpenAI is pacing itself. As this social AI experiment unfolds, one wonders how quickly it might open up to everyone.