OpenAI's GPT-5 has arrived after a year of Sam Altman hyping it up. Here's what it can do.

After a year filled with anticipation, OpenAI has officially launched GPT-5, the newest iteration of its renowned chatbot, ChatGPT. This release marks a significant milestone for the company, as CEO Sam Altman heralds it as a 'major upgrade' and an essential stride toward artificial general intelligence (AGI). In a conference call with journalists, Altman expressed that returning to GPT-4 after experiencing GPT-5 is akin to a frustrating regression. The latest model will be accessible to users at no cost, eliminating the need to toggle between different versions for various tasks. GPT-5 is designed to automatically adapt based on the complexity and type of user requests, providing a seamless experience. It will be offered in multiple configurations: standard, mini, and nano, with paid users enjoying enhanced usage limits. Altman emphasized that GPT-5 stands out as the fastest model yet, highlighting the team's commitment to speed. He shared his experiences with the new model, expressing astonishment at its capabilities. Notably, GPT-5 will also feature advanced abilities for vibe coding, a trend currently making waves in Silicon Valley. The build-up to this release has been intense, with Altman teasing its capabilities over the past year. Just days before the launch, he shared a screenshot of GPT-5 on X, showcasing its ability to suggest thought-provoking AI-themed television shows. In a conversation with podcaster Theo Von, he recounted a moment where GPT-5 addressed a complex question he had, leaving him feeling outmatched by the AI's intelligence. Altman drew a parallel between GPT-5's development and the historic Manhattan Project, admitting it evokes a mix of excitement and apprehension. He acknowledged the pivotal moments in scientific history when creators reflect on the implications of their innovations. The previous model, GPT-4.5, was released in February and was praised for its conversational quality, making users feel as if they were engaging with a thoughtful individual. Despite delays in the launch schedule, which shifted from an expected mid-2024 release to August, OpenAI has witnessed rapid growth in ChatGPT's user base. As of April, the platform boasted 500 million weekly active users, and it is now projected to reach 700 million by the end of this week.