OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.5: A New Milestone in AI Development
OpenAI recently announced the launch of GPT-5.5 on April 23, 2026, setting a new record in the AI development cycle. This latest model was released just six weeks after the debut of GPT-5.4, escalating the rivalry with Anthropic in the race for enterprise customers.
The newly introduced model, touted by OpenAI as its “smartest and most intuitive to use yet,” excels in agentic tasks. These tasks include coding, computer use, knowledge work, and scientific research. GPT-5.5 can manage complex, multi-step workflows with minimal human intervention, effectively writing and debugging code, analyzing data, and operating software across multiple tools until tasks are completed.
“What is really special about this model is how much more it can do with less guidance,” said Greg Brockman, President of OpenAI, during a press briefing.
The company envisions GPT-5.5 as a significant stride towards creating a “super app” that amalgamates ChatGPT, Codex, and AI browser capabilities into a single unified platform.
The model is now available to Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise subscribers across ChatGPT and Codex. API access is expected to be granted “very soon.” OpenAI also shared some impressive user metrics: ChatGPT now boasts over 900 million weekly active users, more than 50 million subscribers, 4 million active Codex users, and 9 million paying business users.
In benchmark tests, GPT-5.5 significantly outperformed its competitors. The model scored an impressive 82.7% on Terminal-Bench 2.0 for complex command-line workflows, outshining Claude Opus 4.7’s score of 69.4%. OpenAI emphasized that the model underwent extensive safety testing with nearly 200 early-access partners before its release.
Source: CNBC