OpenAI has launched GPT-4.5 as a research preview, describing it as the company’s most extensive and knowledgeable model to date. The model incorporates improvements over its predecessor, GPT-4o, and is designed to be more versatile. While some users have noted enhancements in interaction, others remain curious about its practical applications. OpenAI continues to refine its AI offerings, aiming to provide more accurate and intuitive responses across multiple domains. However, the company acknowledges hardware constraints limiting immediate availability.
OpenAI has consistently developed AI models with iterative improvements. Earlier versions, such as GPT-4o, emphasized STEM-related reasoning, whereas GPT-4.5 takes a broader approach. Previous models demonstrated advancements in contextual understanding and reduced hallucinations, and GPT-4.5 appears to follow this trajectory. However, unlike prior releases, this version is not categorized as a reasoning model but instead focuses on generating creative insights and recognizing patterns. The shift in approach is notable, considering OpenAI’s earlier distinction between general AI models and those designed specifically for reasoning.
What are the key differences in GPT-4.5?
OpenAI states that GPT-4.5 extends pre-training and is optimized for diverse tasks beyond the STEM domain. The company highlights improvements in knowledge depth, user intent alignment, and emotional intelligence. According to OpenAI, early user feedback suggests that interactions feel more natural, making it more effective in writing, programming, and addressing practical problems. Additionally, the model reportedly exhibits fewer hallucinations compared to its predecessors.
Who can access GPT-4.5?
The research preview is currently available to ChatGPT Pro users, with OpenAI planning a phased release for Plus and Team users next week, followed by Enterprise and Edu users. The company has cited GPU shortages as a limiting factor in its availability. CEO Sam Altman acknowledged these constraints, stating that OpenAI is working on adding more GPUs to expand access.
“A heads up: this isn’t a reasoning model and won’t crunch benchmarks,” Altman mentioned. “It’s a different kind of intelligence and there’s a magic to it I haven’t felt before.”
The model introduces additional functionalities, including real-time web search, file and image uploads, and a canvas feature for writing and coding. However, it does not currently offer Voice Mode, video, or screensharing within ChatGPT. OpenAI aims to refine the tool further based on user feedback and technical developments.
“Early testing shows that interacting with GPT-4.5 feels more natural,” OpenAI reported. “Its broader knowledge base, stronger alignment with user intent, and improved emotional intelligence make it well-suited for tasks like writing, programming and solving practical problems — with fewer hallucinations.”
With each iteration, OpenAI continues to adjust its AI’s balance between reasoning and creativity. GPT-4.5 represents a departure from the reasoning models of the omni series, focusing instead on pattern recognition and insight generation. The model’s limitations in reasoning tasks suggest that OpenAI is exploring alternative pathways for AI evolution. Given the company’s statement that GPT-5 will arrive in the coming months, further refinements and integrations appear to be on the horizon.
