Mojo Programming Language Goes Open Source with Apache 2 License
Mojo, a programming language optimized for GPU programming with Python-inspired syntax, has been released as open source. The compiler and toolchain are now available under an Apache 2 license, fulfilling a promise made in May 2023. This follows last week's shipping of Mojo 1.0. Originally planned as a superset of Python, Mojo's direction shifted around August 2025, with developers stating that complete compatibility may not happen and that AI-assisted coding tools can aid migration from Python. Mojo now exists as its own language, not fully compatible with existing Python code. The announcement was made by Simon Willison on 18th August 2026.
Key facts
- Mojo programming language is now open source under Apache 2 license.
- The open source release fulfills a promise made in May 2023.
- Mojo 1.0 shipped last week before the open source release.
- Mojo's plan to be a superset of Python changed around August 2025.
- Mojo is now its own language, optimized for GPU programming with Python-inspired syntax.
- Developers are confident AI-assisted coding tools will help migrate Python to Mojo.
- Simon Willison posted the announcement on 18th August 2026.
- The open source release includes the compiler and toolchain.
Entities
Artists
- Simon Willison
Institutions
- simonwillison.net