OpenAI has broadened the availability of its GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 Mini models by integrating them directly into ChatGPT. Originally launched via the OpenAI API in April, these models are now accessible to a wider audience. GPT-4.1 is available for subscribers of ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team plans, while GPT-4.1 Mini is offered to both free and paid users. The company announced this expansion on X (formerly Twitter), citing overwhelming demand from users as the driving force behind the move.
Model Lineup Changes
With this update, OpenAI has removed the GPT-4o Mini model from ChatGPT. Earlier, on April 30, the GPT-4.0 model was also withdrawn to avoid confusion caused by overlapping capabilities and similar naming.
GPT-4.1: Better Performance in Coding and Task Execution
GPT-4.1 is fine-tuned to offer enhanced performance, especially in areas such as code writing and instruction following. It delivers faster and more accurate results compared to the GPT-4o model, making it particularly useful for developers, coders, and engineers. Despite these advancements, GPT-4.1 is not considered a "frontier model"—a term reserved for AI systems with new modalities or highly advanced capabilities. As such, it does not fall under stringent safety reporting requirements.
“GPT-4.1 builds on the safety work and mitigations developed for GPT-4o. Across our standard safety evaluations, GPT-4.1 performs at parity with GPT-4o, showing that improvements can be delivered without introducing new safety risks,”
— Johannes Heidecke, Head of Safety Systems at OpenAI
“The model doesn’t surpass o3 in intelligence.”
OpenAI faced criticism from the AI research community for not publishing a safety report when GPT-4.1 was initially released. Responding to those concerns, the company has committed to more regular disclosures of safety evaluations.
To support this promise, OpenAI has introduced the Safety Evaluations Hub, a platform launched on Wednesday. This hub will provide insights into internal model testing, promoting a culture of transparency and openness within AI development.
The introduction of GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 Mini to ChatGPT reflects OpenAI’s continued effort to expand access to powerful AI tools across a broader audience. With GPT-4.1 being made available to Plus, Pro, and Team users, and GPT-4.1 Mini offered to free users, the move democratizes AI accessibility without compromising performance.
The decision to retire previous models like GPT-4.0 and GPT-4o Mini simplifies the user experience, removing confusion between overlapping features. Though GPT-4.1 offers improved functionality—especially in coding and instruction tasks—it remains within established safety guidelines, as emphasized by OpenAI’s internal evaluations. Addressing past criticisms around transparency,
OpenAI's new Safety Evaluations Hub represents a meaningful step forward in responsible AI development. As OpenAI continues to innovate, these changes ensure a more inclusive, safe, and effective use of generative AI technology for developers, businesses, and general users alike.