OpenAI CEO Sam Altman just shared a massive update on what's next for ChatGPT

OpenAI logo on a phone screen in front of a blurred image of Sam Altman
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

In a recent announcement, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman unveiled the company's roadmap for its upcoming AI models, GPT-4.5 and GPT-5. The goal seems to be to simplify the product offering while enhancing user experience and giving users even more within the ChatGPT free tier.

In his lengthy announcement on X, Altman emphasized the need for AI to "just work" for users, acknowledging the complexity of current model selections and expressing a desire to return to a more seamless, unified intelligence system. For instance, the user interface and interaction with AI models will be noticeably simplified as the company plans to eliminate the model picker feature. This move aims to enhance user experience by reducing the need for manual model selection.

Today’s announcement comes amid a competitive landscape in AI development, with companies like DeepSeek introducing low-cost AI models that have disrupted global markets. OpenAI's focus on integrating advanced features and simplifying user interaction demonstrates its strategy to maintain a leading position as the AI industry rapidly evolves. Beyond simplification, the announcement also focused on upcoming models, yet the release dates are still unknown.

GPT-4.5 marks the final non-chain-of-though model

GPT-4.5, internally codenamed "Orion," is set to be OpenAI's last model without chain-of-thought capabilities. This next and final release indicates a strategic shift towards models that can perform more complex reasoning by processing and evaluating multiple steps before concluding. The introduction of chain-of-thought processing is expected to enhance the models' ability to handle intricate tasks requiring deeper cognitive functions.

GPT-5 promises to unify AI capabilities

Following GPT-4.5, OpenAI plans to unify its o-series and GPT-series models into a cohesive system that utilizes all available tools. This integrated approach seeks to create AI to determine the appropriate amount of reasoning time for various tasks, thereby increasing efficiency and effectiveness across various applications. With hopes to embody a unified system, GPT-5 suggests incorporating technologies from the o3 model, which will no longer be a standalone product.

Enhanced user access and subscription tiers

In terms of accessibility, the free tier of ChatGPT will provide users with unlimited access to GPT-5 at a standard intelligence setting, subject to usage policies to prevent abuse. Subscribers to the Plus and Pro tiers will benefit from higher intelligence settings, with Pro subscribers receiving the most advanced features.

These enhanced models will include capabilities such as voice interaction, canvas for visual tasks, integrated search, and deep research functionalities, offering a more comprehensive AI experience for paid subscribers.

Looking ahead

OpenAI's roadmap reflects a commitment to making AI more intuitive and user-friendly by reducing complexity and enhancing functionality. As these developments unfold in the upcoming weeks and months, they are poised to significantly impact various sectors by providing more efficient and intelligent AI solutions.

The shift towards models with advanced reasoning capabilities and the unification of different model series signifies a strategic move to create more versatile and powerful AI systems. As OpenAI progresses with these initiatives, the balance between innovation, user accessibility, and ethical considerations will remain crucial in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

More from Tom's Guide

Category
Arrow
Arrow
Back to MacBook Air
Brand
Arrow
Processor
Arrow
RAM
Arrow
Storage Size
Arrow
Screen Size
Arrow
Colour
Arrow
Storage Type
Arrow
Condition
Arrow
Price
Arrow
Any Price
Amanda Caswell
AI Writer

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
ChatGPT app icon on mobile device
ChatGPT 4.5 — 5 big upgrades you need to know
OpenAI logo
OpenAI ChatGPT-4.5 is here and it's the most human-like chatbot yet — here's how to try it
Sam Altman
ChatGPT-4.5 delayed in surprise announcement — and it could launch with a controversial new payment model
OpenAI logo on phone sitting on top of laptop keyboard
OpenAI’s ‘o3-mini’ is free for all users — what you need to know
OpenAI logo on a phone screen
OpenAI's next generation model could be announced today — here's what we know
OpenAI logo on phone sitting on top of laptop keyboard
OpenAI unveils o3 and o3 mini — here’s why these 'reasoning' models are a giant leap
Latest in AI
Apple Intelligence on an iPhone screen
Apple analysts sound alarm on Siri delay — here’s why
Manus and ChatGPT
I just tested Manus vs ChatGPT with 5 prompts — here's the winner
Sam Altman
OpenAI takes aim at authors with a new AI model that's 'good at creative writing'
Xbox Copilot Prototype
I write about video games for a living, and Xbox's new AI Copilot has me concerned
Gemini logo on smartphone
Google is giving away Gemini's best paid features for free — here's the tools you can try now
ChatGPT logo on a smartphone screen being held outside
I test ChatGPT for a living — 5 game-changing prompts to try next
Latest in News
Nintendo Switch 2
New Nintendo Switch 2 FCC filing suggests this beloved Nintendo controller could make a comeback
(From L to R) Rohan (Nik Dodani), Josh (Brandon Flynn), Dorothy (Edie Falco), John (Dean Norris), and Liddie (Lisa Kuthrow) in The Parenting
Max top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE renders
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE price leak is bad news for budget-conscious buyers
Google Assistant
Gemini to kill off Google Assistant on most Android phones — here's what you need to know
MacBook Air M4
MacBook Air M4 teardown reveals familiar repairability pain points
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Saturday, March 15 (#643)