Published on
OpenAI has released its latest artificial intelligence model, GPT-5.5, pitching it as its “smartest and most intuitive model yet”.
The company claims the new model is better at understanding what users want and can carry out multi-step work such as writing and debugging code, analysing data, and creating documents and spreadsheets.
Unlike earlier versions, GPT-5.5 is to handle tasks that previously required multiple prompts for step-by-step instructions, plan its approach and keep working until the job is finished, OpenAI said.
The company said this makes GPT-5.5 particularly useful for coding, routine office work, and early-stage scientific research.
GPT-5.5 performed better than its previous model, GPT-5.4, on coding tests to measure complex software work, including command-line tasks and real-world GitHub issue resolution.
The model is being rolled out as of Friday to Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise users in ChatGPT and Codex, OpenAI’s coding tool, according to OpenAI.
The model will also become accessible via Application Programming Interface (API), which is software l that lets developers and companies connect the model directly to their apps and services. It did not specify when and where it will become available.
OpenAI said the model includes its “strongest safeguards to date,” and was tested by nearly 200 early-access partners, including companies and researchers working in software, finance, communications, drug discovery, and scientific research.
The launch comes amid growing concern over the safety and control of more powerful AI models and as tech companies try and outpace each other.
Earlier this month, OpenAI’s competitor Anthropic unveiled Claude Mythos Preview, a model the company said was too dangerous for a full public release yet. Mythos can identify thousands of previously unknown, high-severity vulnerabilities across major operating systems and web browsers.
OpenAI released its own AI model focused on cyber defence, with limited rollout days after Mythos was announced. Called GPT 5.4 Cyber, a variant of OpenAI’s flagship GPT 5.4 model, it has fewer restrictions on cybersecurity-related queries when used for legitimate, defensive purposes, the company said.