OpenAI Unveils GPT-5, Claims ChatGPT Now Offers 'PhD-Level' Expertise
- tech360.tv
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
OpenAI has launched GPT-5, the latest version of its artificial intelligence chatbot, claiming it delivers PhD-level performance in areas such as coding and writing.
Co-founder and Chief Executive Sam Altman described GPT-5 as “smarter, faster, and more useful,” stating it marks a new era for ChatGPT. He said the model is “significantly better” than its predecessors and feels like “talking to an expert in any topic.”
The model was released Thursday and is now available to all users, including a free tier.
OpenAI said GPT-5 demonstrates improved reasoning, logic, and inference, and can create entire software programmes. It has also been trained to be more honest and accurate, with fewer hallucinations—instances where AI generates false information.
Altman compared the evolution of the models, saying GPT-3 felt like speaking to a high school student, GPT-4 like a college student, and GPT-5 like a PhD-level expert.
The launch comes amid growing competition in the AI sector. Elon Musk recently claimed his chatbot Grok, integrated into X, is “better than PhD level in everything.”
OpenAI is also targeting developers with GPT-5, positioning it as a capable coding assistant. This follows similar moves by other firms, such as Anthropic, which markets its Claude Code model to the same audience.
However, some experts have expressed scepticism. Professor Carissa Véliz of the Institute for Ethics in AI said the launch may be more about marketing than substance, noting that such systems are not yet profitable and only mimic human reasoning.
Gaia Marcus, Director of the Ada Lovelace Institute, said the increasing capabilities of AI models highlight the urgent need for comprehensive regulation.
BBC AI Correspondent Marc Cieslak, who tested GPT-5 before its release, said the experience was similar to previous versions, though the new model uses a reasoning engine that thinks harder about solving problems.
The rollout has also raised concerns about content authenticity. Grant Farhall, Chief Product Officer at Getty Images, said it is crucial to ensure creators are compensated when their work is used to train AI models.
In a related development, Anthropic revoked OpenAI’s access to its application programming interface, accusing it of violating terms of service. OpenAI responded that evaluating other AI systems is standard industry practice.
OpenAI also announced changes to ChatGPT’s interaction style. The chatbot will now avoid giving definitive answers to sensitive personal questions and instead guide users through decision-making processes.
The company previously withdrew an update in May that made ChatGPT “overly flattering.” Altman acknowledged the potential for users to form problematic relationships with AI and said society will need to establish new boundaries.
In 2024, actress Scarlett Johansson said she was “shocked” and “angered” after OpenAI released a chatbot with a voice she claimed sounded eerily similar to hers. Johansson voiced an AI companion in the 2013 film Her, a favourite of Altman’s.
OpenAI launched GPT-5, claiming PhD-level performance in coding and writing
The model is now available to all users, including a free tier
GPT-5 offers improved reasoning, fewer hallucinations, and more human-like responses
Source: BBC