SAN FRANCISCO — In a groundbreaking move that signals the democratization of advanced artificial intelligence, OpenAI today launched GPT-5 to all ChatGPT users worldwide, marking the first time the company has made its most sophisticated reasoning model available to free-tier users.
Historic Launch Reaches 700 Million Users
The launch comes as ChatGPT reaches a milestone 700 million weekly active users, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman describing the new model as equivalent to “having a team of Ph.D.-level experts on hand at any time.” The announcement followed a cryptic social media teaser posted Tuesday featuring “LIVE5TREAM THURSDAY 10AM PT.”
“I tried going back to GPT-4, and it was quite miserable,” Altman told reporters during Thursday’s briefing, emphasizing the significant capability leap the new model represents. 
Revolutionary Reasoning Capabilities
GPT-5 introduces advanced reasoning capabilities to the masses, featuring what OpenAI calls “chain-of-thought” processing—allowing the AI to think through problems step-by-step before responding. This marks the first time free users have gained access to such sophisticated reasoning technology.
The model demonstrates substantial improvements across multiple domains:
- Enhanced Accuracy: Significantly reduced hallucination rates compared to previous models
- Superior Performance: Major advances in writing, coding, healthcare applications, and complex problem-solving
- Safety Innovation: Introduction of “safe completions” that provide helpful responses within safety constraints rather than outright refusals
Tiered Access Structure
While all users gain access to GPT-5, the rollout follows a structured approach:
- Free Users: Limited usage with automatic switching to GPT-5 mini after reaching caps
- Plus Subscribers ($20/month): Higher usage limits and priority access
- Pro Users: Unlimited GPT-5 access plus exclusive GPT-5 Pro features
- Enterprise/Education: Full access rolling out next week
GPT-5 Launch Impact
Democratizing Advanced AI for Everyone
ChatGPT Evolution Timeline
Launch
Release
Available
Developer Ecosystem Expansion
OpenAI simultaneously launched three API variants—gpt-5, gpt-5-mini, and gpt-5-nano—designed to serve different cost and performance requirements. The company emphasizes this family approach allows developers to select optimal models based on their specific application needs.
Microsoft Partnership Accelerates
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced immediate integration across the company’s ecosystem, with GPT-5 powering Microsoft 365 Copilot, consumer Copilot services, and Azure AI Foundry for enterprise developers.
Industry Validation
Box CEO Aaron Levie, whose company has been testing GPT-5 across complex datasets, called the model “a complete breakthrough,” noting its ability to “retain way more information and use much higher level reasoning and logic capabilities” compared to previous AI models.
Market Impact
The launch occurs amid OpenAI’s discussions with investors about a potential stock sale at a $500 billion valuation, cementing the company’s position as the leader in the race toward artificial general intelligence (AGI).
Looking Forward
As organizations worldwide integrate AI into their operations—with 5 million paid users now using ChatGPT business products—GPT-5’s broad availability signals a new era where advanced AI capabilities become universally accessible rather than exclusive to premium users.
The democratization of reasoning AI through GPT-5’s free-tier availability represents perhaps the most significant milestone in making advanced artificial intelligence a universal tool rather than a premium service.
This story is developing. Check back for updates as more details emerge about GPT-5’s capabilities and global rollout.
