This release comes only two weeks after OpenAI removed GPT-4 from ChatGPT on 30 April. This earlier model, launched in March 2023 and generating a lot of hype about AI capabilities, was once widely popular. GPT-4.1 has been released in a more subdued manner compared to the previous model, which was launched in March 2023. This is probably because it’s difficult to communicate the subtle differences among all the OpenAI models. OpenAI has announced that developers must migrate to alternative options. GPT-4.5, however, will remain available for ChatGPT.
OpenAI’s new model lineup is confusing
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admitted on X in February that his company’s AI model naming practice was confusing. Inand “We realize how complicated our model and product offerings have gotten.” he promised that “GPT-5” would consolidate o-series- and GPT series models into a single branding structure. The addition of GPT 4.1 to ChatGPT seems to contradict this simplification goal.
Which model should you choose if you are using ChatGPT? If you are a developer who uses the models via the API, then the trade-off is between speed, capability, and cost. ChatGPT is more limited by your personal preference in behavioral style, and what you want to achieve. Some “more capable” model have lower usage limitations as they cost more to run for OpenAI.
OpenAI has chosen to use GPT-4o for ChatGPT as its default model. This is likely due to the GPT-4o’s versatility, balance of speed and capability and personable style. (Conditioned using reinforcement learning and an specialized system prompt). The simulated reasoning models such as 03 and 04 mini-high are slower but can perform more comprehensive web research and consider analytical-style questions in a systematic manner. OpenAI positions GPT-4.1 to be a faster AI model when it comes to coding assistance.
Just remember that all of the AI models are prone to confabulations, meaning that they tend to make up authoritative-sounding information when they encounter gaps in their trained “knowledge.” So you’ll need to double-check all of the outputs with other sources of information if you’re hoping to use these AI models to assist with an important task.
