OpenAI Rolls Out GPT-4.5 to ChatGPT Plus Users in Phases

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has confirmed that GPT-4.5 will begin rolling out to ChatGPT Plus subscribers gradually over several days, rather than launching all at once. The decision aims to prevent server strain and allow users to have longer, more meaningful interactions with the new model.

Why a Staggered Rollout?

Altman explained on X (formerly Twitter) that OpenAI initially wanted to launch GPT-4.5 to all Plus subscribers immediately but faced hardware limitations. Instead, the company chose a phased rollout to maintain performance and avoid low rate limits.

“We think people are gonna use this a lot and love it. So we think it’s better to let people have real, long conversations with it, but that means we have to stagger people in rather than have everyone hit it hard at the same time,” Altman wrote.

What’s New in GPT-4.5?

GPT-4.5 is the latest iteration of OpenAI’s large language model and will reportedly be the last version before the transition to chain-of-thought reasoning models. While it doesn’t yet break down complex problems step by step like a human, OpenAI states that early testing suggests interactions feel more natural.

According to OpenAI, GPT-4.5 improves upon previous versions by:

• Enhancing its ability to follow user intent more accurately.

• Displaying a broader knowledge base across various topics.

• Reducing hallucinations (incorrect or misleading outputs).

• Improving emotional intelligence ("EQ") for tasks like writing and problem-solving.

Despite these advancements, Altman cautioned against overhyping GPT-4.5, noting that it “isn’t a reasoning model and won’t crush benchmarks.”

Pro Users Got Early Access Due to GPU Shortages

OpenAI had initially planned to launch GPT-4.5 for both ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers simultaneously, but a lack of GPUs delayed the Plus rollout. As a result, ChatGPT Pro subscribers ($200/month) received access first, while ChatGPT Plus subscribers ($20/month) will get access in the coming days.

Altman reassured users that OpenAI is adding tens of thousands of GPUs next week, with hundreds of thousands more coming soon to support increased demand.

What This Means

The gradual rollout of GPT-4.5 reflects OpenAI’s strategy to balance accessibility with performance. While the update brings notable improvements in user experience, knowledge accuracy, and emotional intelligence, it is not yet the advanced reasoning model that will define the next generation of AI.

With more computing power on the way, OpenAI is positioning itself for faster, more widespread model releases in the future—paving the way for the eventual shift to chain-of-thought reasoning AI.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.