OpenAI Unveils New AI Model GPT-5.6, Limited Access Granted to Select Institutions at U.S. Government Request

OpenAI has unveiled its next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) model, GPT-5.6, but announced that it will be provided on a limited basis to select institutions first, following a request from the U.S. government.

OpenAI stated that it has developed the new GPT-5.6 AI model in three specific versions: Sol, Terra, and Luna.

According to OpenAI, the top-tier Sol model possesses the highest performance to date in areas such as coding, biology, and cybersecurity, as well as autonomous agent capabilities.

To enhance the model's reasoning capabilities, OpenAI has introduced a "Maximum Reasoning Effort" option, which allows the model the longest processing time yet, and an "Ultra Mode," which utilizes sub-agents to perform complex tasks more quickly.

OpenAI also emphasized that on the "Terminal-Bench 2.1" performance benchmark, which measures terminal coding ability, GPT-5.6 Sol Ultra scored 91.9% and GPT-5.6 Sol scored 88.8%, surpassing the 88% score of rival Anthropic's Claude Mythos 5.

In particular, OpenAI highlighted that the Sol model is equipped with the most robust safety system to date, strengthening protective measures against sensitive cyber requests and misuse that could potentially be exploited for high-risk activities or hacking.

OpenAI did not disclose the detailed performance metrics that it had provided with previous model announcements.

The mid-tier model, Terra, offers performance similar to its predecessor, GPT-5.5, but at half the cost, while the entry-level model, Luna, provides decent performance at the lowest cost, the company said.

OpenAI announced that it will first provide these models to the government and "trusted partners," noting that the general public release is expected to take place in a few weeks.

However, OpenAI pointed out, "We do not believe that this form of government approval process should become a long-term standard," adding that it "prevents users, developers, companies, cybersecurity experts, and global partners who need these tools from utilizing the best technology."

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring AI companies to submit new models to the government up to 30 days before their release. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued export control guidelines, stating that Anthropic's advanced models, Mythos 5 and Fable 5, pose national security risks.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that OpenAI is delaying its initial public offering (IPO) schedule, which was originally expected for this year.

OpenAI, which submitted a confidential IPO filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) earlier this month, has not yet held preliminary meetings to discuss potential offering prices or demand, nor has it presented an official plan for its listing schedule, CNBC reported on Saturday, citing sources.

Previously, The New York Times (NYT) reported on Friday that OpenAI is leaning toward postponing its IPO, which it had aimed to pursue within the year, to next year.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.