OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared a roadmap for GPT-4.5 and GPT-5 on X, emphasizing the company's goal to "greatly simplify" its product offerings.
"We want AI to “just work” for you; we realize how complicated our model and product offerings have gotten," Altman wrote.
As part of this shift, OpenAI will release GPT-4.5 (internally called Orion) as the last model without a chain of reasoning. Moving forward, the company plans to merge its "o" and "GPT" model series, creating unified systems that leverage all of OpenAI's tools.
GPT-5 will launch in both ChatGPT and the API as an integrated system combining multiple OpenAI technologies, including o3, which will no longer be a standalone model. GPT-5 in ChatGPT will introduce voice mode, canvas, search, and deep research capabilities.
Subscription Access to GPT-5:
- Free tier: Unlimited access to GPT-5 at a standard intelligence level (with abuse restrictions).
- Plus subscribers: Access to GPT-5 at a higher intelligence level.
- Pro subscribers: Even more advanced access.
Release Timeline:
- GPT-4.5: Expected within a week.
- GPT-5: Expected within a month.
These updates mark a significant step toward OpenAI’s vision of a seamless, all-in-one AI system.
Screenshot of the comments under Sam Altman's post in X
Why OpenAI Is Changing Its Strategy
OpenAI’s dominant position in AI was recently challenged by DeepSeek’s R1, a Chinese model claimed to be cheaper to develop and offered to users for free.
DeepSeek’s launch not only shook the stock market but also pressured OpenAI and other AI companies to rethink their business strategies. It demonstrated that AI models can be built more affordably and made widely accessible, Mashable reports.
Altman’s announcement may signal a strategic shift. Instead of focusing on exclusive or early access to features through its $200/month Pro plan, OpenAI now appears to be prioritizing wider availability—potentially aiming to outcompete rivals through market dominance and user experience rather than premium pricing.
