OpenAI Unveils GPT-4.5: A Leap Forward in AI, But GPT-5 Remains Elusive

On February 27, 2025, OpenAI announced the release of GPT-4.5, its latest large language model (LLM), marking a significant milestone in artificial intelligence. While the tech world celebrates this advancement, questions linger about the much-anticipated GPT-5, which remains under wraps.

GPT-4.5, now available in research preview, represents a notable step forward in AI capabilities. Designed to deliver more natural interactions, a broader knowledge base, and stronger alignment with user intent, it also boasts enhanced emotional intelligence and fewer hallucinations—those frustrating inaccuracies or nonsensical outputs that have plagued earlier models. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized that GPT-4.5 is the company’s last non-chain-of-thought model, signaling a shift toward AI systems with advanced reasoning capabilities in the future.

What sets GPT-4.5 apart is its versatility. Unlike OpenAI’s specialized “o” series models, such as o1 and o3-mini, which are optimized for science and mathematics, GPT-4.5 is a general-purpose tool. It excels in writing, programming, and solving practical problems, making it a valuable addition to OpenAI’s lineup. While it’s not a reasoning model per se, its advanced knowledge base allows it to tackle complex tasks with surprising finesse.

This release also highlights a strategic pivot for OpenAI. Instead of relying solely on massive datasets and extensive training, the company is now focusing on test-time compute—leveraging increased computing power to enhance model performance. This shift reflects the growing challenges of scaling AI models and achieving the next level of intelligence.

Despite the excitement surrounding GPT-4.5, the absence of GPT-5 has sparked widespread speculation. Rumors suggest that OpenAI is grappling with diminishing returns in model improvements, which may explain the delay. Internally, GPT-4.5 was codenamed “Orion” and was initially intended to be GPT-5. However, it fell short of the performance gains needed to earn the GPT-5 title.

Sam Altman has previously teased that GPT-5 will be “smarter than him” and possess “Ph.D.-level intelligence.” Former CTO Mira Murati echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the model’s advanced capabilities. For now, GPT-4.5 serves as a precursor, offering a glimpse into OpenAI’s progress toward more sophisticated AI systems.

Access to GPT-4.5 has been rolled out in stages. ChatGPT Pro members, paying $200 per month, gain immediate access, while ChatGPT Plus subscribers, paying $20 per month, must wait a week. This tiered approach has sparked frustration among users accustomed to being the first to access new features.

The release also comes amid growing competition in the AI space. Rivals like xAI’s Grok 3, DeepSeek R1, and Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet are pushing the boundaries of AI, forcing OpenAI to stay ahead of the curve.

Why does GPT-4.5 matter? It’s more than just an incremental update—it’s a stepping stone toward the future of AI. Its improved capabilities and reduced errors demonstrate OpenAI’s commitment to refining natural language processing. At the same time, the delay in GPT-5’s release underscores the challenges of scaling AI and achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

As we look ahead, GPT-4.5 serves as a reminder of how far AI has come—and how much further it has to go. For now, users can enjoy a more intuitive and reliable AI experience, even as the tech world eagerly awaits the next big leap.