OpenAI’s latest models are taking advice from moms everywhere

On Wednesday, OpenAI launched ChatGPT programs o3 and o4-mini, new AI reasoning models designed to pause and work through questions before responding.

OpenAI says its new models—initially available only to paid users—are their smartest released to date, and the first that can “think with images.”

• Unlike previous reasoning models, o3 and o4-mini are able to generate responses using tools in ChatGPT like web browsing, Python code execution, image processing, and image generation.
• They also spend more time crafting their answers—utilizing “chain-of-thought” reasoning, similar to how humans think—in an effort to improve reliability.

Some experts have concerns. The new models’ enhanced image analysis tools have led many online privacy advocates to sound the alarm. One potential issue: OpenAI’s o3 model is better than Rainbolt at GeoGuessing exactly where in the world any photo was taken—using subtle visual clues, not image metadata—prompting fears of potential abuse by bad actors.

Big picture: OpenAI's new systems are part of an industry-wide effort to build new AI models featuring higher reasoning capabilities, with companies like Google, Meta, Elon Musk's xAI, and Chinese startup DeepSeek developing similar technologies.