OpenAI unveils GPT-5: A more capable, reliable model for ChatGPT

OpenAI has rolled out GPT-5, the company’s latest and most advanced artificial intelligence model, promising notable improvements in speed, intelligence, and reliability. The update, which became available to ChatGPT users on August 7, introduces a smarter, more transparent version of the AI that aims to reduce errors and better understand user intent.

According to OpenAI, GPT-5 represents a major step forward in the evolution of AI systems. It outperforms previous models across a range of tasks, from writing and math to coding and health-related queries. Designed to be more accurate and honest, GPT-5 is built to follow instructions with greater precision and reduce the kinds of flattering or evasive responses that sometimes weakened earlier versions.

One of the standout features of GPT-5 is its improved performance in programming. OpenAI has described it as its best coding model so far, especially when it comes to complex front-end development and debugging large-scale codebases. The model is more adept at generating functional software components and pinpointing errors in vast repositories, giving developers a powerful tool for streamlining workflows.

Beyond coding, GPT-5 also shows significant improvements in natural language generation. It delivers more coherent and contextually relevant written content, whether drafting long-form articles, summarizing research, or crafting persuasive arguments. Its enhanced writing skills are accompanied by a more grounded understanding of health-related topics, an area where accuracy is crucial.

OpenAI claims that GPT-5 is far less prone to so-called "hallucinations" — a term used in AI development to describe fabricated or factually incorrect responses. In tests where GPT-5 had access to web search, its answers were found to contain 45 percent fewer factual errors compared to GPT-4o. When allowed to "think" through its answers with added reasoning time, the error rate dropped even further — showing an 80 percent reduction in comparison to OpenAI o3.

Another key improvement is the model’s honesty when it comes to its limitations. GPT-5 is designed to avoid misleading users about what it can do. Instead of fabricating capabilities or outcomes, it now more reliably communicates when a request is not feasible, too vague, or lacking essential context or tools.

The user experience has also received attention in this release. GPT-5 introduces four optional personalities — Cynic, Robot, Listener, and Nerd — allowing users to choose how ChatGPT interacts with them. These personalities modify the model’s tone and style of communication without changing its core functionality. For instance, the Cynic may offer a more skeptical view, while the Listener might respond with greater empathy.

GPT-5 is being deployed across the full spectrum of ChatGPT users. Free-tier users have access to the model, though their usage is capped. Those with a Plus subscription will enjoy higher usage limits before being switched to a reduced-capacity version of the model. Meanwhile, Pro users can access GPT-5 Pro, an enhanced variant with extended reasoning capabilities and fewer computational constraints.

When usage thresholds are reached, ChatGPT will automatically switch to GPT-5 Mini for any remaining queries, ensuring continued service but at a lighter capacity. This gradual performance scaling allows OpenAI to balance demand while still offering consistent access to the new model.

With the release of GPT-5, OpenAI is officially phasing out earlier models including GPT-4o, OpenAI o3, o4-mini, GPT-4.1, and GPT-4.5. GPT-5 now becomes the default across the platform, consolidating OpenAI’s offerings into a single, more capable system.

The launch of GPT-5 is a significant milestone not only for OpenAI but also for the broader field of artificial intelligence. As AI becomes more embedded in daily life — from coding and writing to medical assistance and digital communication — improvements in accuracy, transparency, and usability are crucial. GPT-5 marks a clear move in that direction, offering users a more trustworthy and capable assistant for a wide range of tasks.