GPT-5 is the upcoming fifth generation AI system from OpenAI expected to launch in 2024 or 2025.
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance at a rapid pace. With systems like ChatGPT wowing the world, attention now turns to what comes next – the highly anticipated release of OpenAI's GPT-5.
As this new model takes shape, let's explore everything we know so far about GPT-5's development, capabilities, applications, and role in the journey toward advanced AI.
The Path to GPT-5
GPT-5 represents the latest iteration in OpenAI's line of natural language processing systems. Standing for Generative Pretrained Transformer 5, GPT-5 follows previous versions like GPT-3 and GPT-4.
In November 2022, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman first hinted that work on GPT-5 had begun, noting that "We have a lot of work to do before GPT 5. It takes a lot of time for it. We are not certainly close to it."
Later, in an interview with the Financial Times in November 2023, Altman confirmed GPT-5 development was underway, though release timelines remain fuzzy.
He stated that compared to past versions, "It will require more data to train on, which Altman said would come from a combination of publicly available data sets on the internet, as well as proprietary data from companies."
This proprietary data will likely come through OpenAI's partnership initiatives, where organizations can contribute private datasets. For GPT-5, OpenAI appears focused on gathering data not publicly available before, particularly long-form writing and conversations.
Expected Launch Timeframe
Based on previous release cadences, experts predict GPT-5 may emerge sometime in 2024 or 2025.
However, Altman admits, "Until we go train that model, it's like a fun guessing game for us—we're trying to get better at it because I think it's important from a safety perspective to predict the capabilities."
Given the complexity involved, OpenAI seems hesitant to commit to strict timelines. The company will likely take its time to rigorously audit and test GPT-5 before any public debut.
Architecture and Training
As a descendant of the GPT family, GPT-5 will maintain its predecessors' transformer-based neural network architecture. Specifically, it falls under the subfield of natural language processing called generative pretrained transformers.
However, GPT-5's design will incorporate the latest research advancements to enhance areas like contextual learning, reasoning, and possibly multimodal capabilities.
Techniques such as the "tree of thought" process may improve logical thinking by rewarding models for step-by-step reasoning.
Researchers are also exploring ways to train models with video data beyond just text and images. As Sam Altman has remarked, "I'm very excited to see what happens when we can really do a video there."
In addition, OpenAI is focused on sourcing high-quality training data, which reduces the model size needed for a performance boost. According to an OpenAI study, thoughtful data selection and training methods can triple an AI system's effectiveness without increasing parameters.
An illustrative picture of GPT-5 capabilities compared to GPT-4
As for scale, GPT-5 will certainly surpass GPT-4's impressive 1 trillion parameters. However, the exact figures remain unknown. The critical factor will be innovative training techniques rather than simply parameter counts.
Safety and Monitoring
Safety is a top concern with rapidly evolving AI. OpenAI utilizes approaches like monitoring confidence levels and training on human feedback to keep models aligned with helpful, honest behavior.
Altman explained their priority on safety in the Financial Times interview: "Predicting model capabilities seems important for safety reasons. Understanding and anticipating the potential outcome of such a powerful AI system is key."
External oversight is also increasing. The US, EU, OECD, and other government bodies are all developing AI regulatory frameworks. While GPT-5 itself isn't likely to reach full artificial general intelligence, its capabilities will raise important ethical and alignment questions.
Envisioned Applications
If GPT-5 can successfully build upon GPT-4's prowess, its versatility could enable game-changing applications:
- Healthcare - GPT-5 could power precision medicine by analyzing patient histories and genetic data to provide customized treatment plans.
- Business - AI assistants equipped with GPT-5 could handle a wide range of workflows, from HR functions to supply chain optimizations.
- Customer Service - Brands could implement GPT-5 chatbots offering every customer personalized, conversational support 24/7.
- Marketing - For marketers, GPT-5 may analyze data, generate content, and tailor entire campaigns to customer segments.
- Education - Students could have customized tutors that adapt lessons and feedback to individual learning needs.
The Road to AGI
OpenAI views iterative advances like GPT-4 and the upcoming GPT-5 as milestones along the path to artificial general intelligence (AGI). AGI represents a hypothetical system capable of mastering cognitive skills at a human level.
While skeptics argue current AI still struggles with basic reasoning, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes transformational models like GPT-5 will get us closer to AGI:
"I think (large language models) are one of the core pieces for how to build AGI, but there'll be a lot of other pieces on top of it."
Also, OpenAI's chief scientist Ilya Sutskever said recently, "The probability that AGI could happen soon, is so high, that you should be taking it seriously anyway".
So this makes me wonder, will we see AGI before GPT-5?
The Next Phase in AI
As OpenAI prepares to unveil its most advanced AI yet, GPT-5 represents the next phase in natural language processing. Its expanded knowledge and sharp reasoning could drive transformative changes across industries.
However, responsible development and monitoring will be critical as its capabilities grow.
While the exact launch timeline remains uncertain, GPT-5's debut will undoubtedly capture the world's attention. We wait with bated breath to see just how far artificial intelligence will advance with this next remarkable step.
Read also: How to build your own custom GPT.
