OpenAI is preparing to introduce GPT-4.5, its next AI model, in the coming weeks or months. This model, internally called “Orion,” will be the final iteration in its non-reasoning AI series before the company transitions toward a different structural approach. OpenAI has acknowledged the complexity of its current AI product lineup and is working on a strategy to simplify its offerings. The company aims to integrate its two existing model families—GPT and Omni—into a unified system that can determine when to generate immediate responses and when to engage in deeper reasoning. This shift could redefine the way users interact with AI tools, making them more seamless across different applications.
OpenAI’s previous model releases followed a similar trajectory, with GPT-4 launching in March 2023 and subsequent improvements being made incrementally. The introduction of Omni models, which focus on reasoning-based responses, has added another layer to OpenAI’s AI ecosystem. Unlike earlier models that prioritize speed, the Omni series takes time to process and produce more complex answers. Now, OpenAI is focusing on combining these approaches into a single, more capable AI system. This evolution reflects broader trends in AI development, where companies seek to create models that balance efficiency and depth.
How Will OpenAI’s AI Model Strategy Change?
GPT-4.5 is expected to be the last non-reasoning model before OpenAI merges its AI technologies into a unified system. The goal is to create an AI framework that can dynamically switch between immediate responses and logical reasoning based on task requirements. This approach is intended to improve the versatility of AI applications while maintaining accuracy and speed.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, highlighted the company’s intention to simplify its model lineup, stating:
“We realize how complicated our model and product offerings have gotten.”
By restructuring its AI systems, OpenAI seeks to improve user experience while ensuring that its models remain practical across a wide range of industries.
What Will Happen With GPT-5 and Omni Models?
Once GPT-4.5 is released, OpenAI plans to develop GPT-5 with the capabilities of both its GPT and Omni models. This means that the separate Omni series will no longer exist as a distinct line. Instead, all AI functionalities will be integrated into a single model that adapts to different tasks.
Altman explained this step, stating:
“We want AI to ‘just work’ for you.”
With this restructuring, OpenAI aims to create AI systems that are more intuitive, reducing the need for users to differentiate between different types of AI models.
As part of this transition, ChatGPT users will experience changes in their access to AI models. Free-tier users will be able to interact with GPT-5 at a standard intelligence level, while subscribers to ChatGPT Plus and Pro plans will receive more advanced capabilities. Currently, free users only have access to GPT-3.5, while paid users can utilize GPT-4. The introduction of GPT-5 is expected to expand these capabilities significantly.
While OpenAI continues refining its AI offerings, rival AI firm Anthropic has introduced an “Economic Index” to assess AI’s impact on labor markets. Anthropic analyzed millions of chatbot interactions to understand how AI is utilized across different industries. The findings suggest that AI is primarily used for tasks such as software development and writing, with mid-to-high-wage professions being the most frequent adopters. Additionally, the research indicates that AI is used more for augmenting human skills rather than fully automating jobs.
The broader shift in AI model development shows a trend toward creating more adaptable and efficient AI systems. OpenAI’s move to consolidate its model series could simplify interactions for users while enhancing AI’s decision-making abilities. However, this change also means that AI models will become more complex internally, making it harder for researchers to analyze their underlying processes. While this integration may make AI more accessible to the general public, it could reduce transparency in how AI systems operate.
