OpenAI to Consolidate AI Models with GPT-5 Launch -- THE Journal

Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI to Consolidate AI Models with GPT-5 Launch

By John K. Waters
02/18/25

OpenAI has canceled plans to release its o3 model, opting instead for a "simplified" product lineup centered on its upcoming GPT-5 product. The decision, revealed in a post by CEO Sam Altman on X, marks a shift toward integrating multiple AI technologies into a single model for its ChatGPT platform and API.

Initially set for launch in early 2025, o3 was expected to be OpenAI's next major release. As recently as a few weeks ago, OpenAI Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil stated that o3 was on track for a February-March launch. However, OpenAI now confirms that GPT-5 will encompass the capabilities of o3 and other proprietary AI technologies, eliminating the need for a separate release.

"We want to do a better job of sharing our intended roadmap and simplifying our product offerings," Altman wrote in his post. "We want AI to 'just work' for you; we realize how complicated our model and product offerings have gotten. We hate the model picker [in ChatGPT] as much as you do and want to return to magic unified intelligence."

Altman also announced that GPT-5 will offer unlimited chat access at a "standard intelligence setting," subject to "abuse thresholds," once the model becomes widely available. For premium users, ChatGPT Plus subscribers will gain access to a "higher level of intelligence," while ChatGPT Pro users will be able to leverage an "even higher level of intelligence."

The new model will integrate OpenAI's evolving suite of AI tools, including voice capabilities, enhanced search functions, and deep research features. Altman emphasized OpenAI's goal of unifying its AI systems to handle a broad range of tasks efficiently.

Before its GPT-5 debut, OpenAI plans to release GPT-4.5, code-named "Orion," in the coming weeks. This will be OpenAI's last "non-chain-of-thought" model, according to Altman, with future iterations embracing reasoning-based architectures that improve reliability in complex domains like math and physics.

About the Author

John K. Waters is the editor in chief of a number of Converge360.com sites, with a focus on high-end development, AI and future tech. He's been writing about cutting-edge technologies and culture of Silicon Valley for more than two decades, and he's written more than a dozen books. He also co-scripted the documentary film Silicon Valley: A 100 Year Renaissance, which aired on PBS. He can be reached at [email protected].

E-Mail this page

Printable Format

Featured

3 in 4 Administrators Expect a Security Incident to Impact Their School This Year

In an annual survey from education identity platform Clever, 74% of administrators admitted that they believe a security incident is likely to impact their school system in the coming year. That's up from 71% who said the same last year.
Improve Teacher-Student Satisfaction by Removing Procurement Obstacles

Intuitive tools help teachers gain flexibility and control over purchases, and more time back for doing what they love.
FCC Cybersecurity Pilot Participants Selected

The Federal Communications Commission has officially selected the participants for its Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot, the three-year program exploring the use of Universal Service funds to improve school and library defenses against cyber attacks.
AI 'Microscope' Reveals the Hidden Mechanics of LLM Thought

Anthropic has introduced new research tools designed to provide a rare glimpse into the hidden reasoning processes of advanced language models — like a "microscope" for AI.