Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET via ChatGPT Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways The new Sora by OpenAI app is tops in Apple's App Store. Using the Sora 2 model, the app helps you generate and share videos. The app is invite-only, so you may have to wait to try it. OpenAI's latest effort at video generation is proving to be a hit among iPhone users. Released on September 30 only for iOS, the new Sora app is now No. 1 among all free apps in Apple's US App Store. Also: There's a new OpenAI app in town - here's what to know about Sora for iOS Launched as an invite-only app, Sora by OpenAI helps you transform your text descriptions into short video clips, complete with audio. You can choose a specific style for your video, such as cinematic, animated, or surreal. You're even able to put yourself and your friends into your videos. There's also a social aspect, as you can share your own videos and remix videos from other people. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis, ZDNET's parent company, filed an April 2025 lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.) New model OpenAI previewed its initial Sora video generator in February 2024 before officially releasing it the following December. Beyond creating videos through text descriptions, you've been able to adjust the duration, speed, aspect ratio, and more. You could also fine-tune it through individual storyboards just like a real film director. The latest app for iOS builds upon the initial capabilities with a new Sora 2 model that can tackle more challenging tasks than its predecessor. Also: OpenAI tested GPT-5, Claude, and Gemini on real-world tasks - the results were surprising As one example, you can add human speech and sound effects that sync with the video. As another example, you're able to add yourself and people you know to videos that can otherwise be bizarre or otherworldly. OpenAI has even lauded the move from the original Sora to Sora 2 by comparing it to the jump from GPT-1 to GPT-3.5. Invite-only The only drawback with Sora by OpenAI is that it's invite-only, and invitations are hard to come by. Also: I test AI tools for a living. Here are 3 image generators I actually use and how After downloading and installing the app, you're prompted to add your invite code. If you don't have one, you'll need to request one. How long that may take is unclear. But there's already a feeding frenzy, with many people turning to OpenAI's Discord server, Reddit, and other spots to beg, borrow, or steal a usable code. Initially free If you do snag the right type of code, how will you be able to use Sora 2? Here's what OpenAI revealed when it released the new app: "We're starting the initial rollout in the US and Canada today with the intent to quickly expand to additional countries," OpenAI said. Also: OpenAI's fix for hallucinations is simpler than you think "After you've received an invite, you'll also be able to access Sora 2 through sora.com. Sora 2 will initially be available for free, with generous limits to start so people can freely explore its capabilities, though these are still subject to compute constraints. ChatGPT Pro users will also be able to use our experimental, higher-quality Sora 2 Pro model on sora.com (and soon in the Sora app as well)."