OpenAI launches GPT-5.2 after 'code red' push to counter Google's Gemini 3

OpenAI unveiled its GPT-5.2 artificial intelligence (AI) model on Thursday, after CEO Sam Altman reportedly issued an internal "code red" in early December pausing non‑core projects and redirecting teams to accelerate development in response to Google's Gemini 3.

In a Thursday post on X, OpenAI announced that "GPT-5.2 Instant, Thinking, and Pro are rolling out today, starting with Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise plans. Free and Go users will get access tomorrow."

According to OpenAI, GPT-5.2 boasts improvements in general intelligence, coding capabilities and long-context understanding. The new model is also expected to deliver enhanced economic value for users, offering better tools for tasks like creating spreadsheets, building presentations and managing complex multi-step projects.

This latest version is part of OpenAI's ongoing series of model upgrades. The company noted that it continues to address known issues, such as over-refusals and latency, so as to make its models more effective and useful.

The launch of GPT-5.2 comes on the heels of strong performance from Google's Gemini 3, which was introduced in November. Google has highlighted Gemini 3's lead position on several industry leaderboards that track AI model performance.

OpenAI's Altman downplayed the impact of Gemini 3 on OpenAI's metrics. In a Thursday interview with CNBC, he said "Gemini 3 has had less of an impact on our metrics than we feared."

Disney announced on Thursday a $1 billion investment in OpenAI, and will let the startup use characters from Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel franchises in its Sora AI video generator.

Microsoft-backed OpenAI said that it currently has no plans to drop GPT‑5.1, GPT‑5 or GPT‑4.1 from its application programming interface.

OpenAI introduced GPT-5.1, an upgraded version of GPT-5, in November. Observers note that the rapid succession of releases highlights the mounting competitive pressure facing the AI industry.

(With input from agencies)