GPT-5 Rollout Faces Challenges, Says OpenAI
▼ Summary
– OpenAI’s GPT-5 launch faced significant issues, including errors in math problems and unreliable performance compared to older models and competitors.
– Users reported GPT-5 failing on simple tasks, such as basic algebra and logic problems, where rival models like Claude Opus 4.1 performed better.
– OpenAI temporarily restored access to older models like GPT-4o for select users due to GPT-5’s rocky rollout and negative early feedback.
– Competition from models like Alibaba’s Qwen 3 (with 1M token context) and Google’s AI advancements poses a challenge to OpenAI’s dominance.
– Early sentiment around GPT-5 is mixed, with concerns about its reliability, model selection features, and integration hurdles for developers.
OpenAI’s GPT-5 launch has encountered unexpected hurdles, with early adopters reporting performance issues that contrast sharply with the company’s benchmark claims. The highly anticipated AI model, unveiled this week, has struggled with basic mathematical problems and coding tasks, raising questions about its readiness for widespread deployment.
Users quickly noticed flaws in GPT-5’s reasoning abilities. Data scientist Colin Fraser demonstrated that the model incorrectly evaluated whether 8.888 repeating equals 9 (it doesn’t). Another test revealed GPT-5 failing to solve a straightforward algebra equation, 5.9 = x + 5.11, a problem well within the grasp of middle school students. Even when asked to critique OpenAI’s own presentation errors, the model provided inaccurate assessments.
Coding performance, a key selling point for GPT-5, has also drawn criticism. Despite internal benchmarks suggesting superiority, real-world tests indicate that Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.1 outperforms it in one-shot task completion. Developer Justin Sun showcased Claude’s ability to generate a fully functional 3D capybara petting zoo with interactive features, something GPT-5 couldn’t replicate as effectively.
User sentiment reflects disappointment. A poll by AI influencer Bilawal Sidhu found most respondents labeling GPT-5 as “kinda mid,” while industry observers noted widespread frustration with the model’s unreliable automatic routing system, which often defaults to a less capable version. Security concerns have also surfaced, with reports highlighting vulnerabilities in OpenAI’s safety protocols.
Competitors are capitalizing on OpenAI’s missteps. Alibaba’s Qwen 3 now supports a staggering 1 million tokens of context, dwarfing GPT-5’s capabilities. Meanwhile, betting markets suggest Google may soon surpass OpenAI in AI model quality.
While some, like Otherside AI’s Matt Shumer, argue that GPT-5’s true potential will emerge as developers optimize their integrations, the initial reception has been lukewarm at best. For a company reliant on investor confidence and facing fierce competition, the rocky rollout raises significant concerns about its ability to maintain dominance in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
(Source: VentureBeat)
