OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.5: Features, Pricing, Availability and What’s New

105
24 Apr 2026
5 min read

News Synopsis

OpenAI has launched GPT-5.5, its most advanced AI model yet, bringing major improvements in coding, automation, and productivity tools.

OpenAI Introduces Its Most Advanced Model Yet

San Francisco-based OpenAI has officially rolled out GPT-5.5, marking a significant upgrade to its widely used ChatGPT ecosystem. The release comes shortly after the company introduced its Images 2.0 model, signalling a rapid pace of innovation in its AI offerings.

GPT-5.5 is being positioned as the company’s “smartest and most intuitive” system to date, with a strong focus on handling complex, multi-step tasks more independently. The model is designed to reduce the need for detailed prompts, making interactions more natural and efficient for users.

Enhanced Agentic Capabilities and Task Execution

One of the standout features of GPT-5.5 is its improved “agentic” behaviour. Unlike earlier versions, the model can better interpret user intent and autonomously plan and execute tasks.

From writing and debugging code to conducting in-depth research, analysing datasets, and generating documents or spreadsheets, GPT-5.5 is built to handle end-to-end workflows. It can also navigate software tools and interfaces, enabling users to complete tasks seamlessly without switching between multiple platforms.

According to Greg Brockman, the model’s key strength lies in its ability to deal with ambiguity. He highlighted that GPT-5.5 can assess unclear problems and determine the next steps on its own—an advancement that could reshape how users interact with computers.

Stronger Coding Performance and Automation

GPT-5.5 delivers a significant leap in coding capabilities, making it OpenAI’s most powerful programming model so far. It can:

  • Handle complex programming workflows
  • Debug and optimise code efficiently
  • Test applications and identify potential issues
  • Work with large and complex codebases

Internal benchmarks suggest notable improvements over GPT-5.4, especially in solving real-world coding challenges in a single attempt.

Early testers, including professional developers, have reported enhanced reasoning abilities. The model can anticipate potential errors, suggest testing strategies, and flag review requirements—even without explicit instructions.

Improved Efficiency Without Compromising Speed

A key advancement in GPT-5.5 is its efficiency. The model produces higher-quality outputs while using fewer tokens, making it more cost-effective in the long run.

Despite these improvements, OpenAI has maintained response speeds comparable to earlier models. This addresses a common challenge in AI development—balancing performance with latency—ensuring users get faster and more accurate results simultaneously.

Productivity Boost and “Computer Use” Features

Beyond coding, GPT-5.5 is designed as a comprehensive productivity tool for knowledge workers. It can assist with:

  • Research and data analysis
  • Report generation and documentation
  • Spreadsheet creation and management
  • Summarisation of complex information

The model also introduces improved “computer use” capabilities, allowing it to interact more intuitively with software systems. This means users can rely on GPT-5.5 to navigate tools, manage workflows, and automate repetitive tasks across applications.

OpenAI revealed that its Codex system is already widely used internally across departments such as engineering, finance, communications, and marketing. More than 85% of employees reportedly use it weekly, highlighting its growing role in enterprise productivity.

Safety and Risk Mitigation Measures

OpenAI has emphasised that GPT-5.5 has been deployed with enhanced safety protocols. These include:

  • Advanced preparedness evaluations
  • Domain-specific testing
  • Focused checks on sensitive areas like biology and cybersecurity
  • External expert assessments

These measures aim to ensure responsible deployment while maintaining high performance standards.

Pricing Structure and Developer Access

GPT-5.5 is being rolled out across multiple tiers of ChatGPT, including Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise plans.

Standard Model Pricing

  • $5 per million input tokens
  • $30 per million output tokens

Pro Model Pricing (Higher Accuracy)

  • $30 per million input tokens
  • $180 per million output tokens

OpenAI is also offering additional pricing options such as:

  • Batch and Flex processing at 50% discounted rates
  • Premium Priority processing for faster responses

Although GPT-5.5 is priced higher than GPT-5.4, the company states that improved efficiency and reduced token usage make it more cost-effective overall.

Availability Across Platforms

GPT-5.5 is currently available to ChatGPT users across Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise plans, as well as through OpenAI’s Codex system. While the Pro version is initially limited to Business and Enterprise tiers, broader API access for developers is expected soon.

A Step Toward the Future of AI Workflows

With GPT-5.5, OpenAI is pushing toward a future where AI systems act as intelligent collaborators rather than simple tools. Its ability to understand intent, execute complex workflows, and integrate across software environments positions it as a major step forward in AI-driven productivity.

As competition in the AI space intensifies, GPT-5.5 sets a new benchmark for performance, usability, and enterprise adoption—potentially transforming how individuals and organisations approach work in the digital age.

Podcast

TWN Exclusive