OpenAI set to launch first open-source language model since GPT-2

The announcement coincides with the viral success of OpenAI’s GPT-4o-powered image-generation tool, which allows users to create Studio Ghibli-inspired anime artwork, sparking growing enthusiasm among its rapidly expanding user base

Marking a major shift in its approach to AI development, OpenAI has announced plans to launch its first open-source language model since GPT-2. The model is expected to be released in the coming months, with OpenAI actively seeking feedback from developers, researchers, and the broader tech community to refine its capabilities.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed the initiative in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We are planning to release our first open-weight language model since GPT-2. We've been thinking about this for a long time, but other priorities took precedence. Now it feels important to do.”

Ensuring safe and ethical AI

Before making the model publicly available, OpenAI will subject it to rigorous evaluation using its preparedness framework. Altman emphasized that additional safety measures will be implemented due to the likelihood of post-release modifications by the developer community.

To facilitate collaboration, OpenAI has scheduled a series of engagement events, starting with a developer session in San Francisco, followed by similar events in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. These forums will allow experts to discuss the model’s capabilities, ethical considerations, and future enhancements.

OpenAI’s growing impact in AI advancement

The announcement comes amid growing enthusiasm for OpenAI’s latest image-generation tool, powered by the GPT-4o model. The tool, which enables users to transform images into anime-inspired artwork reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s aesthetic, has gone viral. Within just an hour of its launch, the tool attracted over a million users, underscoring the public’s increasing engagement with AI-generated content.

However, the surge in usage has placed considerable strain on OpenAI’s computing resources. Altman humorously noted that the company’s “GPUs are melting” due to the overwhelming demand for the image-generation feature.

A strategic response to growing AI competition

OpenAI’s decision to release an open-source model is widely seen as a strategic response to mounting competition in the AI sector, particularly from Chinese AI developers. Industry analysts believe this move is, in part, influenced by the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model that was reportedly developed at a fraction of the typical cost associated with large-scale AI training.