OpenAI’s GPT-5 Launch: What We Know So Far

According to a recent report by The Verge, OpenAI is gearing up to launch GPT-5 as early as August, as indicated by sources familiar with the company’s plans. This exciting development comes just five months after CEO Sam Altman outlined a roadmap for this next-generation AI model, aiming to unify all of the company’s AI capabilities. Altman recently mentioned on X that the GPT-5 release is imminent.
Microsoft engineers have reportedly been preparing server capacity for GPT-5 since late May. However, testing and development hurdles have slowed down the timeline. During a podcast appearance, Altman demonstrated GPT-5's capabilities, noting how the model answered a question he couldn't, highlighting its advanced functionality.
The anticipation for GPT-5 has been building since the launch of GPT-4 in March 2023. Although there were rumors of a March 2024 release, it seems the name “GPT-5” was reserved for this upcoming iteration. The Verge also reports that GPT-5 will include “mini” and “nano” versions through its API, where the main version will merge a large language model with a simulated reasoning model. These versions will be available through ChatGPT and APIs, but the nano version will remain API-exclusive.
Interestingly, references to "gpt-5-reasoning-alpha-2025-07-13" have been spotted on X, implying the model is in its final testing phase. Testers and security experts are currently scrutinizing the model's code, focusing on identifying and resolving any vulnerabilities.
The release of GPT-5 marks OpenAI’s strategic move to streamline its product lineup by integrating features from traditional and reasoning-focused models. As Altman explained in February, GPT-5 aims to merge the capabilities of both the GPT series and the reasoning-driven o-series into one cohesive system.
According to The Information, GPT-5 looks to excel in coding tasks and enhance overall power by incorporating attributes of both traditional and simulated reasoning models like o3. Before the official release of GPT-5, OpenAI plans to introduce its first open-weights model since GPT-2. This will allow individuals with the requisite hardware to run the model independently. However, CEO Altman cautioned that additional safety testing is still needed before this model's release.
Benj Edwards, Senior AI Reporter at Ars Technica, provides detailed insights into these developments. As an AI enthusiast and tech historian, Edwards continues to track and report on the exciting advancements in AI technology. Stay tuned for more details as the release date for GPT-5 draws near.