OpenAI Shifts Strategy: GPT-4.5 Coming Soon, GPT-5 to Replace o3 Model
OpenAI is making a major pivot in its AI model development, according to an update from CEO Sam Altman. The company has scrapped plans to release o3 as a separate model, instead folding its capabilities into GPT-5 to create a more streamlined, all-in-one AI system.
In his announcement, Altman acknowledged that OpenAI’s growing model lineup had become too complex, stating:
“We want AI to ‘just work’ for you; we realize how complicated our model and product offerings have gotten. We hate the model picker as much as you do and want to return to magic unified intelligence.”
Before GPT-5’s release, OpenAI will first launch GPT-4.5, also known as Orion, within the next few weeks. This will be OpenAI’s last model without chain-of-thought reasoning, marking a turning point toward more sophisticated AI reasoning methods.
GPT-5, arriving in the coming months, will serve as a fully integrated AI system, combining the strengths of both the GPT-series and o-series models. OpenAI aims to create a self-optimizing AI that automatically selects the best tools and reasoning processes for each task.
In terms of access, Altman confirmed that GPT-5 will be available for free-tier ChatGPT users, but with a standard intelligence level. ChatGPT Plus and Pro users will receive higher-tier versions with enhanced reasoning and performance.
With this shift, OpenAI is moving toward a more seamless and intelligent AI experience, eliminating the need for manual model selection and maximizing AI efficiency for all users.