Memory, o3 & 04-mini, 4.1, and social media rumors — here’s what you need to know

Should you’ve been following the AI space currently, it’s simple to really feel such as you’re drowning in acronyms and model numbers.

OpenAI has been on a roll with new mannequin releases, updates, and options which can be reshaping how we work together with AI. From highly effective reasoning fashions like o3 and 04-mini to the mind-blowing potential of ChatGPT Reminiscence, OpenAI is thrashing even their very own efficiency predictions.

On this deep dive, I’ll share the newest updates and clarify what they imply for creators, builders, and on a regular basis customers. Then, I’ll share my ideas on the place OpenAI is headed subsequent, together with rumors about an upcoming social media platform.

Why OpenAI Ought to Be Banned From Naming Issues

Let me begin by saying this: OpenAI wants a naming marketing consultant. Significantly. Between GPT-4.5, GPT-4.1, o3, 04-mini, and no matter else they’ve obtained cooking, the naming conventions have change into a complete mess.

The model numbers don’t observe conventional chronology, which is irritating for customers making an attempt to know which mannequin is newer and higher. OpenAI has acknowledged the issue and plans to unify its interface sooner or later, the place a single mannequin (possible GPT-5) will route requests to essentially the most acceptable backend.

Till then, we’re navigating a posh maze of model numbers and acronyms.

OpenAI Mannequin Breakdown

Beneath is an summary of the present main fashions from OpenAI, together with their strengths, weaknesses, and efficiency traits. I’ve additionally highlighted which fashions are being phased out and which of them are new or coming quickly.

Finest for Scientific and Mathematical Reasoning: o3

OpenAI’s o3 mannequin is a powerhouse for deep scientific and mathematical reasoning, particularly when paired with exterior instruments. o3 with Python scored 99.5% on competitors math in a take a look at — it’s principally acing it.

It additionally outperforms different fashions in graduate-level science questions and sophisticated logical reasoning. When you consider fashions that might ship scientific discoveries within the not-too-distant future, that is it.

Finest for Coding: GPT-4.1 Full and o3

For coding, there are a number of totally different choices that carry out nicely. GPT-4.1 Full was explicitly designed for coding and following directions, displaying sturdy efficiency in coding benchmarks. GPT4.1 is definitely a better mannequin than GPT4.5. So despite the fact that the numbering scheme went backwards, it is a extra highly effective mannequin than 4.5 was.

For some time, o1 was OpenAI’s prime canine mannequin, one of the best of one of the best, however now that’s been dethroned by o3. o3 is great for complicated logic and reasoning duties, making it superb for debugging and fixing superior programming issues.

Finest for Writing, Creativity, and Basic Use: GPT-4

GPT-4 is OpenAI’s default mannequin inside ChatGPT, so if you happen to’ve simply dabbled with the free model, that’s possible what you used. GPT-4.5 was my go-to for creativity and was one of the best OpenAI mannequin I’ve seen for human-like writing, however sadly, that’s now not obtainable.

That energy ought to translate into GPT-5, however till that’s obtainable, GPT-4 is the following finest for writing, creativity, and common use.

Finest Worth: GPT-4.1 Nano

GPT-4.1 Nano is a small, quick mannequin with surprisingly good efficiency. That’s superb for fast duties the place high-end energy isn’t wanted. It boasts a one-million token context window. If you need entry to the superpower of 4.0 however don’t need to spring $200 a month or extra for Professional, strive Nano.

How OpenAI’s Fashions Evaluate to Exterior Fashions

OpenAI now not releases its efficiency information side-by-side with opponents, however it’s price inspecting. For instance, Google’s Gemini 2.5 Professional lately made headlines for its spectacular coding capabilities, surpassing expectations. Google has quietly taken the lead in AI coding in 2025, and other people haven’t been speaking about it sufficient.

Claude 3.7 from Anthropic additionally exhibits promise however has struggled with consistency in comparison with earlier variations. OpenAI’s o3 mannequin outperforms Claude 3.7 in math and reasoning benchmarks.

Whereas OpenAI leads in some areas, reminiscent of multimodal understanding and reasoning, the hole between top-tier fashions is narrowing. Builders ought to consider fashions primarily based on particular use circumstances slightly than by firm alone.

New Characteristic: ChatGPT Reminiscence

Probably the most impactful updates from OpenAI this yr is ChatGPT Reminiscence, which lets the mannequin retain context throughout classes. Because of this interactions construct over time, making a extra customized expertise.

I examined this by asking ChatGPT to explain me primarily based on our chats, and the outcomes have been sort of surprising. It understood issues about me that I didn’t explicitly inform it.

This implies AI is getting nearer to understanding folks and their preferences holistically. That results in extremely customized help and suggestions with out being explicitly requested.

Coming quickly? OpenAI social media community to rival X

Reminiscence is a core characteristic of understanding who folks really are. With these capacities, ChatGPT may very well be poised to create the primary AI-native social community. Rumors are that ChatGPT will apply its digital reminiscence capabilities to a brand new area: Social media (particularly, an X-like platform).

Not like conventional platforms pushed by engagement algorithms, OpenAI’s strategy might leverage AI to curate significant content material, filter noise, and floor insights aligned with particular person pursuits. Personalization can be central, with the potential for AI-driven curation and real-time evaluation of consumer habits.

Whereas no official particulars have been launched, I personally can be very excited to see this and check out it out.

Learn how to Keep on Prime of the AI Mannequin Firehose

OpenAI’s current updates mirror a broader development: AI techniques have gotten smarter, quicker, and extra built-in into on a regular basis workflows. With the discharge of o3, 04-mini, and the rollout of ChatGPT Reminiscence, we’re seeing a shift from reactive instruments to proactive, adaptive companions.

Corporations which can be sluggish or immune to adopting AI will discover themselves falling behind. Don’t let mannequin confusion place you in paralysis. As an alternative, take a look at quick and sometimes, and reorganize round pace and suppleness to construct AI into your workflows.

To study extra about ChatGPT’s fashions, take a look at the full episode of The Subsequent Wave under: