OpenAI has officially unveiled GPT-5, the latest iteration of its flagship large language model, introducing capabilities that represent a significant leap beyond its predecessor. The model features what OpenAI calls transparent reasoning, a system that shows users its step-by-step thought process in real time as it works through complex problems, rather than presenting only final answers.
Perhaps the most technically impressive advancement is GPT-5 native multimodal output capability. Unlike previous models that relied on separate systems for different media types, GPT-5 can generate text, images, audio, and functional code within a single inference pass. This unified architecture eliminates the latency and coherence issues that plagued earlier multi-model pipeline approaches.
In benchmark testing, GPT-5 achieved scores that surpass human expert performance on several professional examinations, including the bar exam, medical licensing exams, and graduate-level mathematics competitions. On the newly developed GPQA benchmark for graduate-level science questions, the model scored 89.2%, compared to 71.4% for GPT-4o and an average of 65% for PhD-holding domain experts.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described GPT-5 as the first model that genuinely feels like a thinking partner rather than a sophisticated autocomplete system. The company is rolling out the model to ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise subscribers immediately, with API access following within two weeks. Pricing for API access has not yet been announced, though Altman indicated it would be competitive with current GPT-4o pricing.
The release has reignited debates about AI safety and regulation. Several AI researchers have expressed concerns about the model capabilities in autonomous planning and persuasion, while industry leaders have largely welcomed the advancement as a productivity breakthrough. European regulators have indicated they will be closely monitoring GPT-5 deployment under the EU AI Act framework.
