OpenAI has launched the GPT-4.1 family of AI models — including Mini and Nano versions — optimized for superior coding performance, dramatically cutting costs and outperforming previous models as it sharpens its edge against rising competition. (Source: Image by RR)

Developers Can Now Build Apps Faster with Enhanced Code Intelligence

OpenAI has launched a new family of AI models — GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 Mini, and GPT-4.1 Nano — specifically optimized for coding and complex instruction-following, as the company steps up its competition with rivals like Google and Anthropic. According to Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil, these models outperform previous iterations, including the widely used GPT-4o and even the research-preview GPT-4.5 in some benchmarks. Notably, GPT-4.1 scored 55% on SWE-Bench, a key benchmark for evaluating AI code generation capabilities, and demonstrated stronger performance in building software agents and following user commands.

The new models, as noted in wired.com, can analyze eight times more code simultaneously, making them highly effective for debugging and improving software. They are also significantly faster — with GPT-4.1 running 40% faster and cutting input costs by 80% compared to its predecessor. OpenAI’s livestream showcased practical applications like app development and automated code testing. AI coding platform Windsurf reported that GPT-4.1 had 60% fewer errors than previous models, further validating its improvements in functionality and efficiency.

OpenAI continues to diversify its model offerings, providing a range of capabilities and pricing to suit different developer needs. While GPT-4.5 remains experimental, other models like o1 and o3 simulate reasoning through problem breakdowns, albeit at higher costs and slower speeds. The competitive landscape has intensified, with Stanford’s AI index showing that Google, DeepSeek, Anthropic, and others have caught up to OpenAI’s performance benchmarks, signaling a rapidly leveling playing field in advanced AI development.

Despite massive user growth — 500 million weekly active users according to Sam Altman — OpenAI is under increasing pressure to prove its long-term business sustainability. The company is reportedly losing billions as it invests in research and infrastructure, including its $500 billion Stargate initiative with partners like Oracle and SoftBank. OpenAI also announced upcoming features such as improved ChatGPT memory and a forthcoming open-weight model for developers, aiming to maintain momentum and developer loyalty in a crowded, fast-evolving AI market.

read more at wired.com