Billed as OpenAI's "last non-chain-of-thought model," GPT-4.5 is the company's most advanced language model to date. OpenAI says the model offers substantial enhancements over its predecessors, particularly in advanced reasoning, problem-solving and contextual understanding.
According to OpenAI, improvements include: superior capabilities in handling complex, multi-step reasoning tasks with increased accuracy and efficiency; enhanced creativity and flexibility; and adeptly managing intricate logic problems and maintaining nuanced, multi-turn conversations with improved contextual recall. Additionally, the model is said to integrate real-time information more seamlessly, dynamically processing and incorporating new data into its responses. The company also claims that safety measures have been bolstered, with GPT-4.5 showing a heightened ability to interpret instructions accurately while adhering to ethical guidelines.
OpenAI estimates that GPT-4.5 is at least 30 times more expensive to run than GPT-4o. Where will the power and the chips come from? Not to worry: this is where GPT-5 will come in. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said, "A top goal for us is to unify o-series models and GPT-series models by creating systems that can use all our tools, know when to think for a long time or not, and generally be useful for a very wide range of tasks."
GPT-4.5 is available for ChatGPT Pro subscribers and developers. Paid subscribers to lower tier plans will get access next week.
OpenAI's current strategy is clear: "We believe reasoning will be a core capability of future models, and that the two approaches to scaling — pre-training and reasoning — will complement each other. As models like GPT‑4.5 become smarter and more knowledgeable through pre-training, they will serve as an even stronger foundation for reasoning and tool-using agents."
As always your thoughts and comments are both welcome and encouraged. Just reply to this email. -s
P.S. Is GPT-4.5 really the "last LLM?" We'll explore this and other important AI developments at the MMA CMO AI Transformation Summit (March 18, 2025 | NYC). I'm facilitating and co-producing this half-day invitation-only event which will provide insights into the strategies, technologies, and leadership practices for CMOs who are driving successful AI transformations across the world’s best marketing organizations. Request your invitation.
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.
