tl;dr
OpenAI announced it will phase out its current numerical model naming system with the release of GPT-5, unifying various model capabilities under a single identity to simplify user experience and reduce confusion. This change aims to consolidate different deployment paths, such as Codex and ChatGPT ...
OpenAI is retiring its confusing numerical model names like GPT-4 and Codex variants to adopt a unified GPT-5 identity. This move aims to simplify the user experience by consolidating various model capabilities into a single framework, reducing ambiguity and confusion across different interfaces such as Codex and ChatGPT.
The transition from version-based branding to function-based identification will see names like Codex used specifically for developer agents and Operator for system interactions. GPT-5 will unify access to capabilities without requiring users to switch between different model versions, enhancing performance and streamlining functionality.
This change coincides with OpenAI's broader strategy to merge its tools—including Codex, Operator, memory systems, and research functions—into an agentic framework capable of generating, executing, and validating code seamlessly within cloud sandboxes. The goal is to address fragmentation across developer-facing interfaces and improve modularity and integration across development environments.
OpenAI is also exploring new usage tiers and flexible pricing models that may support consumption-based plans beyond API integrations. While no specific timeline has been provided for GPT-5's full rollout or the retirement of existing model names, users can anticipate improved capabilities and easier access under this simplified naming system.
Overall, this strategic shift highlights OpenAI’s focus on agent behavior and task execution over static model inference, promising a more cohesive experience for developers and end-users alike.