A new GPT-4.1 model is available on ChatGPT from OpenAI

OpenAI has officially announced the rollout of its new GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 mini AI models within ChatGPT, as revealed in a recent update shared on X. These advanced versions are designed to enhance capabilities for users, particularly software developers who rely on ChatGPT for tasks such as coding assistance and debugging. OpenAI spokesperson Shaokyi Amdo claims that as compared to GPT-4o, GPT-4.1 exhibits considerable gains in handling instructions and carrying out coding-related tasks. It is also designed to be more efficient and responsive than the earlier o-series reasoning models.

Only ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team users can access GPT-4.1, but both paying and non-paying users can use GPT-4.1 mini. With this shift, OpenAI is phasing out the GPT-4.0 mini model, which will no longer be supported in ChatGPT. Although the GPT-4.1 models were initially released back in April through OpenAI’s API for developers, they were not immediately integrated into ChatGPT’s interface.

During its initial launch, GPT-4.1 drew criticism from some members of the AI research community, particularly around concerns regarding the absence of a safety report. Critics expressed unease over what they perceived as a decline in OpenAI’s commitment to transparency. In response, OpenAI clarified that GPT-4.1, despite its performance enhancements, does not represent a frontier-level model and therefore does not require the same degree of safety disclosures. Johannes Heidecke, OpenAI’s Head of Safety Systems, stated that GPT-4.1 does not introduce new interaction methods or surpass GPT-4o in terms of intelligence, which changes the nature of its safety considerations.

To address transparency concerns more broadly, OpenAI has now pledged to increase the frequency of its internal AI model safety assessments and share the results publicly. This effort is being organized through the launch of a new platform called the Safety Evaluations Hub, introduced the same day as the announcement.

The introduction of GPT-4.1 into ChatGPT also arrives at a time when interest in AI-powered development tools is surging. Reports suggest OpenAI is on the verge of finalizing a $3 billion acquisition of Windsurf, a widely used AI tool for coding. On the same day, Google revealed an enhancement to its Gemini chatbot, allowing it to more seamlessly integrate with GitHub repositories, further intensifying competition in the AI development space.