ChatGPT Upgraded with GPT-4.1: Faster and Better at Coding
OpenAI has officially rolled out its latest AI models, GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 mini, to ChatGPT users. This update promises significant improvements in coding and instruction following, particularly for software engineers using ChatGPT for development tasks.
GPT-4.1 for Paid Users, GPT-4.1 Mini for All
Subscribers to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team now have access to the full GPT-4.1 model. OpenAI has also made GPT-4.1 mini available to all ChatGPT users, both free and paid. This replaces the previous GPT-4.0 mini model.
The GPT-4.1 models were initially released via OpenAI's API in April. This wider release brings these advancements to the familiar ChatGPT interface.
Enhanced Performance and Speed
According to OpenAI spokesperson Shaokyi Amdo, GPT-4.1 excels at coding and follows instructions more effectively than its predecessor, GPT-4.0. Furthermore, it offers improved speed compared to the "o-series" reasoning models.
Addressing Safety Concerns
OpenAI has addressed previous concerns regarding the transparency and safety of its models. While GPT-4.1 offers performance improvements, it's not considered a "frontier model," according to OpenAI's Head of Safety Systems, Johannes Heidecke. This means it doesn't require the same level of safety reporting as more advanced models.
GPT-4.1 doesn't introduce new modalities or ways of interacting with the model, and doesn't surpass o3 in intelligence. This means that the safety considerations here, while substantial, are different from frontier models.
OpenAI has also committed to increased transparency by publishing the results of its internal AI model safety evaluations more frequently in its new Safety Evaluations Hub.
Increased Competition in AI Coding Tools
This update comes amid growing interest in AI coding tools. OpenAI's potential $3 billion acquisition of Windsurf and Google's recent updates to its Gemini chatbot, allowing easier integration with GitHub, highlight the increasing competition in this space.
