New OpenAI Model GPT-4.5 Launching Next Week, GPT-5 Set for Late Spring

According to internal sources, Microsoft will start rolling out GPT-4.5 (codename Orion) on its platforms as early as next week. This latest model from OpenAI does not utilize chain-of-thought reasoning. While GPT-4.5 is expected to outperform GPT-4 in terms of efficiency, it is positioned as an interim step leading up to the major release of the year — GPT-5, anticipated in late May.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described GPT-5 as a "systemic breakthrough" that brings together all of the company’s advancements. The model will incorporate the previously announced o3 architecture, designed for complex logical reasoning. Notably, o3 will not be released as a standalone model — its functionalities will be fully integrated into GPT-5.

The launch of GPT-5 might coincide with Microsoft Build (May 19–21), an event known for unveiling major updates. Unlike last year's release of GPT-4o, which disrupted Azure's paid services, the upcoming models are being developed in close collaboration with Microsoft. The company has already announced a significant update for Copilot: instead of the existing “creative,” “balanced,” and “precise” modes, the assistant will feature a unified interface that adapts to user requests without manual configuration.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is testing its own Operator — a counterpart to OpenAI's experimental agent capable of performing tasks within interfaces similarly to an autopilot. This technology, resembling “smart macros,” aims to automate browser-based processes, from booking tickets to data analysis. According to insiders, the focus will be on reducing costs for businesses, potentially making AI solutions more accessible in the coming months.