OpenAI’s recently released GPT-5 model has faced significant criticism, with tech media outlets and social media users describing its launch as underwhelming and a potential “dud.” The model, released five days prior to the reports, has been met with widespread disappointment, suggesting OpenAI may have entered the “trough of disillusionment” where initial hype gives way to unmet expectations.
Axios reported that GPT-5 “landed with a thud,” while Ars Technica characterized the launch as “messy.” The Information suggested that GPT-5’s improvements felt “incremental” compared to other recent model releases from OpenAI and its rivals since GPT-4o’s debut last May. This sentiment indicates a potential point of diminishing returns for large language models, despite the substantial investments being poured into the technology.
Beyond the tech press, social media users have also voiced strong disapproval, with some speculating that OpenAI may have intentionally limited GPT-5’s capabilities to cut costs. Developers interviewed by The Information noted that GPT-5 struggled with “seamlessly knowing when to ‘think harder’” when presented with complex prompts—a issue that power users have already observed.
Criticisms from users include shorter and less precise responses from GPT-5 compared to its predecessor, GPT-4o. A significant pain point for paying subscribers is that only they have the option to revert to GPT-4o, leading to concerns that some dedicated OpenAI users may switch to alternative platforms. The overall reception suggests that GPT-5 has fallen short of the lofty promises made by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, marking a worrying sign for the company and the broader AI industry.
