I've been looking at the leaked images of OpenAI's model announcement expected next week. Here's my take on what we're likely to see and what it might mean for the AI landscape.

OpenAI's Next Models: What the Leak Tells Us

A leaked image hints that OpenAI is about to launch five new models:

  • GPT-4.1: The new flagship, likely building on GPT-4o with sharper reasoning and broader capabilities.
  • GPT-4.1 mini: A mid-sized version, probably balancing cost and performance for most business use cases.
  • GPT-4.1 nano: The smallest, targeting edge devices or budget-conscious deployments.
  • o3: A new line, separate from GPT, possibly focused on planning or specialized reasoning.
  • o4-mini: A mini version of a model (o4) that hasn't been fully revealed yet—an unusual move that suggests either technical hurdles or a staggered rollout.

Pricing and Latency: More Options, More Strategy

The leak also shows OpenAI is getting strategic with pricing and speed:

Model Input (per 1M tokens) Cached Input Output (per 1M tokens) Latency vs GPT-4o
GPT-4.1 $2.00 $0.50 $8.00 Similar
GPT-4.1 mini $0.40 $0.10 $1.60 40% faster
GPT-4.1 nano $0.10 $0.025 $0.40 50% faster

This tiered approach means OpenAI is aiming for both high-end applications and cost-sensitive projects. If you're running large-scale AI, the mini and nano models could cut costs and speed up results—at the expense of some capability.

Why This Matters: My Perspective

OpenAI's move looks like a direct response to competitors like Anthropic and Mistral, who already offer models at different price points. The flagship 4.1 will likely push the boundaries of what LLMs can do, but the real story is the mini and nano variants. These make advanced AI more accessible for startups, hobbyists, and anyone who can't justify flagship pricing.

The o4-mini's early appearance is odd. My guess: OpenAI wants to test the waters with a smaller version before rolling out the full o4, or they're still ironing out the kinks in the main model.

What to Expect from These Models

Based on OpenAI's track record and where the industry is headed:

  • GPT-4.1: Expect better multimodal support, stronger reasoning, and fewer hallucinations.
  • Mini/nano: These will be about speed and affordability, not bleeding-edge capability.
  • o3: Could be OpenAI's answer to models focused on planning, logic, or even agentic workflows.
  • o4-mini: Likely a preview of the next-gen architecture, but with training wheels on.

The Bottom Line

We'll know the details soon, but this leak shows OpenAI is serious about serving a broader market. Whether you're building the next killer app or just tinkering, there's probably a model here that fits your needs. I'll be watching the official announcement closely—expect a follow-up once the specs are public.