OpenAI has officially unveiled GPT-5, its next-generation large language model, marking the most significant update to ChatGPT since the release of GPT-4 over two years ago. The company says GPT-5 is faster, more accurate, and more capable across a range of tasks — from coding to reasoning — while introducing new safety and customization features.

“This is significantly better in obvious ways and subtle ways,” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told reporters, noting that going back to GPT-4 now “was quite miserable” after using the new model.

GPT-5 will be available to all ChatGPT users starting today, with tier-based differences:

• Free users get GPT-5 access up to a usage cap before switching to the lighter GPT-5-mini.
• Plus users enjoy higher limits.
• Pro users receive unlimited GPT-5 and exclusive access to GPT-5 Pro.
• Enterprise, EDU, and Team accounts will get the update as the default model in the coming week.

The upgrade consists of multiple models: a fast, general-purpose LLM and a more powerful reasoning model. A routing system determines the best fit for each request.

Coding superpowers
OpenAI showcased GPT-5’s dramatically improved coding skills, capable of building complete applications in minutes. Demonstrations included a French-learning web app with sound and game functions, all generated from a single prompt. The speed enables rapid iteration — what OpenAI calls “vibe coding” — allowing users to refine apps quickly.

Enhanced safety tools
In line with recent moves to address mental health and sensitive topics, GPT-5 has refined training to avoid misleading or dangerous information. Rather than simply refusing potentially harmful queries, it now aims to provide the safest possible helpful answer, a shift intended to aid students, researchers, and professionals with legitimate questions that could be misinterpreted.

New customization and voice options
Advanced Voice Mode is now available to all users with higher usage limits, while chat color customization and personality settings — such as Cynic, Robot, Listener, and Nerd — give users more control over their AI’s tone.

Productivity integrations
GPT-5 can now connect to Google Calendar and Gmail, letting users query schedules, suggest meeting times, and retrieve relevant information directly in chat. These integrations roll out to Pro users next week before expanding to other tiers.

While Altman called GPT-5 “a significant step toward AGI” (artificial general intelligence), he stressed that it’s not there yet — citing the lack of continuous learning as a major limitation.

The release comes as competition heats up in the AI space, with rivals like Meta pursuing “superintelligence” projects. Whether large language models alone will lead to AGI remains a matter of debate among experts.

GPT-5 is rolling out globally starting today, promising a faster, smarter, and safer ChatGPT experience for millions of users.