GPT-5 explained: Everything you need to know

What is GPT-5?

GPT-5 is a generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) model, succeeding GPT-4 and its variants, including GPT-4o. GPT-5 is also a multimodal LLM that can analyze text, image and audio information. The model underwent extensive training on diverse datasets to achieve its advanced capabilities.

In contrast to its predecessor models, GPT-5 also directly integrates reasoning capabilities that enable the model to spend more time considering and evaluating a user prompt's response.

OpenAI has positioned GPT-5 as a unified platform that provides three execution modes: a fast general-purpose model for routine tasks, GPT-5 Thinking for complex multi-step reasoning and GPT-5 Pro for the most demanding analytical work. The GPT-5 models will automatically route user queries between the different computational approaches to get the best result.

GPT-5 is available in three sizes:

• GPT-5. This is the full model version and offers the highest level of performance.
• GPT-5-mini. As the mid-tier model, the aim is to balance capabilities and cost.
• GPT-5-nano. This is the smallest, fastest and most cost-efficient model with limited reasoning capabilities compared to the larger variants.

The importance of GPT-5

GPT-5 is particularly important because it represents OpenAI's leading edge of development toward artificial general intelligence (AGI). It will also become the default LLM used in ChatGPT, one of the most widely used AI tools.

Many organizations, including Microsoft with its Microsoft Copilot technologies, rely on OpenAI and will be using GPT-5 as the new core model to power their technologies.

Key features of GPT-5

GPT-5 has all the same core capabilities as its GPT-4 predecessor. It can analyze text, images and audio, summarize content and generate new text content. Going beyond what its predecessor models could do, GPT-5 provides a few key features, including the following:

• Integrated reasoning. GPT-5 directly integrates deeper reasoning capabilities that were previously only in its o-series of models. This reasoning can help solve multi-step and complex challenges with greater accuracy and nuance.
• Reasoning routing. Not all queries require the most advanced, resource-intensive reasoning. That's where GPT-5's unified reasoning architecture helps provide automatic routing between fast processing and deep reasoning modes that learn from user preferences and performance metrics.
• Improved accuracy. OpenAI has focused on reducing the number of hallucinations and factual errors. The model also provides more consistent performance on complex queries.
• Coding. Prior GPT models did have coding capabilities, but with GPT-5, it has been significantly improved. In particular, the model now has enhanced frontend development capabilities that can enable users to build better-looking user interfaces and designs.
• Enhanced writing. GPT-5 improves on the prior model with better style and depth of writing. The model aims to provide more control over the tone of content, which can help users write more professional content.
• Multimodal processing. Integrated text, image and voice understanding are now available through a single interface, with video frame analysis capabilities and enhanced visual reasoning.
• Advanced safety. The model now implements a "Safe Completions" approach, providing helpful responses within safety boundaries rather than hard refusals to user prompts. When refusing requests, the model now clearly explains its reasoning and offers safe alternatives.

How to use GPT-5

Much like its predecessor models, GPT-5 is accessible through multiple approaches. Primary access methods include:

ChatGPT

GPT-5 will be available to all ChatGPT users across the various usage tiers.

• ChatGPT Free tier. Provides ten GPT-5 messages every five hours before switching to GPT-5-mini.
• ChatGPT Plus. Offers higher usage limits with manual model selection options, including access to both GPT-5 standard and GPT-5 thinking modes for complex reasoning tasks.
• ChatGPT Pro. Has unlimited GPT-5 access, including GPT-5 pro with extended reasoning capabilities, plus integrated Gmail and Google Calendar functionality.
• ChatGPT team, enterprise and education plans. Access to GPT-5 includes organizational deployment features, advanced security controls and custom integration options for institutional users.

API access

Like all its predecessor models, GPT-5 is available on the OpenAI API platform. The platform provides direct programmatic access to all GPT-5 variants, including GPT-5, GPT-5-mini and GPT-5-nano.

Microsoft integration

OpenAI has a longstanding partnership with Microsoft for its models. GPT-5 is available through Microsoft 365 Copilot, GitHub Copilot and Azure AI Foundry.

Developer tools and applications

The model is also integrated into popular coding environments, including Visual Studio Code and Cursor.

GPT-4 vs GPT-5

GPT-5 is the direct successor to OpenAI's GPT-4 model lineup. The following chart outlines the key differences between the model families.

Impact on businesses and developers

As OpenAI's flagship model, GPT-5 has several key benefits for businesses and developers.

Benefits for businesses

Upgrading to GPT-5 will provide businesses with a more advanced model than OpenAI's prior GPT-4 series. The advancements, including the built-in reasoning router, will help companies to handle more complex workflows, such as automating intricate processes in finance or healthcare.

GPT-5's advancements in speed and reduced hallucinations will also help organizations feel more confident in using the model for business-critical operations that affect customer experiences.

Advantages for developers

GPT-5 offers developers advanced coding capabilities, including smarter code generation, an expanded context window for managing larger projects and API integrations for creating AI agents. By upgrading, developers can reduce development time, minimize errors and build dynamic user experiences in applications.

Sean Michael Kerner is an IT consultant, technology enthusiast and tinkerer. He has pulled Token Ring, configured NetWare and been known to compile his own Linux kernel. He consults with industry and media organizations on technology issues.