OpenAI is ending Cursor’s access to its models, and the change is due on 12 November 2026. The move follows SpaceX’s $60 billion purchase of the popular AI coding editor. If you write code with GPT models inside Cursor, here is what happened and what to check right now.
What happened between OpenAI and Cursor?
On 28 August 2026, OpenAI told SpaceX that it would wind down the contract that supplies its models to Cursor, proposing 12 November as the shutoff date. OpenAI explained its decision in a public post after SpaceX completed the acquisition. Cursor, which is now owned by SpaceX, already ships Grok 4.5, a model it built together with SpaceXAI, so the editor is not left without its own option.
Why this matters for developers
Cursor became one of the most widely used AI coding tools because it let developers choose between several leading models in one editor. Losing OpenAI’s models removes one of those choices and shows a risk that many teams had not planned for: the model behind your tool can change because of a business deal, not a technical decision.
- Your favourite model may disappear: if you rely on an OpenAI model in Cursor, it can stop working when access ends.
- Prompts and results can change: a different model may format code, follow instructions and handle large projects differently.
- Costs may change: pricing and usage limits differ from model to model.
What to do now
- Check which model you use today. Open Cursor’s model settings and note every OpenAI model you rely on.
- Test an alternative. Try the other models available in the editor on a real task so you know how they behave.
- Read Cursor’s announcements. Plan details can differ, for example between models included in a subscription and models you connect with your own API key. Confirm which applies to you.
- Keep your workflow portable. Store your rules, prompts and project instructions in files you control so you can move to another editor or model quickly.
- Review team contracts. If your company pays for Cursor, ask your account contact how the change affects your plan.
Is this a sign of bigger changes?
Yes. AI coding tools are becoming strategic assets, and the companies that build the models are increasingly also the companies that own the tools. Expect more bundling and more exclusive deals. For developers, the safest strategy is to avoid depending on a single model or a single editor.
Frequently asked questions
When does OpenAI’s access to Cursor end?
OpenAI proposed a shutoff date of 12 November 2026.
Why is OpenAI cutting off Cursor?
The decision followed SpaceX’s acquisition of Cursor. OpenAI explained its reasons in a public statement, which is linked below.
Will Cursor stop working?
No. Cursor continues to work with other models, including Grok 4.5. Only access to OpenAI’s models is ending.
Sources
- OpenAI: Our decision on Cursor following its acquisition by SpaceX
- The New Stack: OpenAI cuts Cursor off
Related reading: how a tampered coding extension reached developers and our free Python tutorial for learning to code.
Published 12 November 2026. Details are based on public reports and company statements at the time of writing and may change.
