OpenAI Launches GPT-5: Key Features, Upgrades, and What You Need to Know

What We Know

OpenAI has rolled out GPT-5, describing it as its most advanced and versatile AI system to date. The launch promises a mix of quick, precise answers for everyday queries and a “deep thinking” mode designed for complex problems — all managed by an intelligent routing system that automatically decides how much brainpower to deploy.

The company says GPT-5 is a unified system, pairing a faster core model with an extended reasoning mode called “GPT-5 thinking.” A built-in router gauges conversation type, complexity, and user intent before deciding which mode to use. When usage limits are reached, a lightweight backup version steps in so the experience doesn’t stall. OpenAI noted it is working toward merging these capabilities into a single, seamless model.

Early benchmark scores suggest GPT-5 is setting new performance records: 94.6% on the 2025 AIME math exam without tools, 74.9% on SWE-bench Verified coding challenges, and a 46.2% score on HealthBench Hard — all well above previous models. Improvements also target real-world reliability, with fewer factual errors and stronger adherence to user instructions.

What They’re Saying

“GPT-5 is our most capable writing collaborator yet,” OpenAI said in its launch announcement. The company highlighted its ability to handle creative and technical writing with more nuance, sustain complex poetic or narrative structures, and adapt its tone to the user’s needs.

The update also brings a stronger focus on health-related queries, scoring significantly higher than previous models on physician-defined benchmarks. OpenAI emphasized that GPT-5 is not a replacement for professional care, but rather a tool to help people better understand their health information and prepare informed questions for their doctors.

What’s Next

Pro subscribers now have access to GPT-5 Pro, an extended-reasoning version aimed at power users handling legal research, complex coding, or scientific analysis. OpenAI says it will continue refining the unified model approach and explore new integrations, potentially making GPT-5’s capabilities available in a wider range of tools and platforms.

The Bottom Line

GPT-5 isn’t just a faster chatbot — it’s an AI designed to switch between speed and depth depending on the task, all while setting new benchmarks across multiple domains. From generating polished code to crafting literary-quality writing and providing more precise health insights, GPT-5 raises the stakes in the race for smarter, more reliable AI.

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