On March 28, 2025, OpenAI unveiled an update to its GPT-4o model on the ChatGPT platform, marking a significant enhancement in the capabilities of its artificial intelligence. This update has been designed to improve the model's ability to follow detailed instructions, particularly those with multiple prompts, making it more intuitive and creative than its predecessors.
The latest version of GPT-4o is now available to all paying users, with plans to extend access to free users in the coming weeks. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, expressed enthusiasm for the update, stating on social media, "the update of GPT-4o is GOOD." This phrase captures the excitement surrounding the advancements made in this iteration of the AI model.
One of the most notable improvements in GPT-4o is its enhanced performance in coding tasks, instruction following, and providing users with a sense of freedom in their interactions. Altman explained that the decision to update GPT-4o instead of moving to the newer GPT-4.5 was primarily due to a shortage of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), which are essential for running such complex AI models.
This update follows the launch of the 4o image generation tool within ChatGPT and Sora, which quickly gained popularity and became a viral sensation. The success of this new feature necessitated the implementation of rate limits to manage the high demand. Altman noted, "it's super fun to see people loving images in ChatGPT. But our GPUs are melting. We will temporarily introduce some rate limits while we work to make it more efficient. We hope it won't take long!" He also mentioned that the free tier of ChatGPT will soon allow users to generate three images per day.
In addition to the text-based enhancements, OpenAI has integrated a new image generation feature directly into the ChatGPT software, enabled by the GPT-4o model. This feature allows users to create photorealistic content based on textual instructions, showcasing a significant leap in the capabilities of AI-generated images.
The new software features are available to subscribers of ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team, both paid and free, with plans to expand access to Enterprise and Edu users soon. OpenAI has demonstrated the realism of the images that can be generated by using a graphic of the German philosopher and economist Karl Marx (1818-1883) outside a shopping mall in the United States. This example highlights the model's ability to accurately associate attributes with a significantly larger number of objects compared to other AI image generators.
Unlike many existing AI image generators, which often struggle with color and shape recognition, the ChatGPT Images feature is capable of producing coherent and accurate visual representations. This improvement addresses one of the primary challenges in AI image generation—transcribing coherent text references without typographical errors.
As AI technology continues to evolve, the enhancements made to the GPT-4o model and the introduction of the image generation feature reflect OpenAI's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what artificial intelligence can achieve. With these advancements, users can expect a more seamless and engaging experience when interacting with AI.
This latest update not only signifies a technical leap but also opens new avenues for creative expression and practical applications in various fields, from education to marketing. As users explore the capabilities of the updated GPT-4o model, the potential for innovative uses of AI becomes increasingly apparent.
In summary, OpenAI's recent update to the GPT-4o model and the integration of the image generation feature represent a significant step forward in the realm of artificial intelligence. With improved instruction following, coding capabilities, and photorealistic image generation, the future of AI interactions looks promising. As the technology continues to develop, it will be fascinating to see how users harness these advancements to create, innovate, and solve complex problems.
