OpenAI is on the verge of launching a suite of new AI models and features, with several significant updates expected to be unveiled as early as next week.
Among the anticipated releases is a new model expected to be branded GPT-4.1, described as a revamped version of OpenAI’s GPT-4o multimodal model. GPT-4o, introduced last year, is a flagship model capable of reasoning across audio, vision, and text in real-time. Sources familiar with OpenAI’s plans indicate that GPT-4.1 will be launched alongside smaller variants, including GPT-4.1 mini and nano versions.
In addition to GPT-4.1, OpenAI is also preparing to release the full version of its o3 reasoning model and an o4 mini version. These models could potentially debut even sooner than GPT-4.1. The discovery of references to o4 mini, o4 mini high, and o3 in a new ChatGPT web version by AI engineer Tibor Blaho suggests that these additions are imminent. According to the information available, both o3 and o4 mini are slated to debut next week, although OpenAI might adjust the launch plans.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently hinted at an exciting feature launch on X, though it remains unclear if this is related to the o3 and o4 mini references found in ChatGPT. Sources caution that OpenAI has faced delays in introducing new models due to capacity issues, which could potentially impact the planned debut of GPT-4.1 next week.
Earlier this month, Altman disclosed on X that customers should anticipate delays in new releases, service disruptions, and occasional slowness as OpenAI addresses capacity challenges. The company’s advanced image generation capabilities have been particularly demanding, forcing OpenAI to temporarily rate limit requests last month. Altman noted that the popularity of the built-in image generator for ChatGPT’s free tier users had led to significant strain on their resources, claiming “our GPUs are melting.”
Despite the capacity challenges, OpenAI remains on track to potentially launch several significant updates to its AI models in the near future. The exact timing may be subject to change based on the company’s ability to manage its current capacity constraints.
