GPT-5 improves speed, cost, and reliability for most users by introducing automatic model routing that selects between reasoning and faster inference models. Casual users receive advanced reasoning by default for complex, long-term queries without needing to choose models manually. The invisible upgrade streamlines the product experience and reduces friction for everyday interactions. Advanced practitioners face disruption as carefully designed workflows around specific models are altered and routed decisions are opaque. Limited transparency about which model is used creates a black-box effect that raises concerns about control, reproducibility, and developer trust.
From the perspective of most people interacting with ChatGPT, GPT-5 is an undeniable improvement. OpenAI now handles automatic model routing, selecting between reasoning models and faster inference models without requiring the user to make a choice. That means a person asking a long-term strategic question - such as career planning - can benefit from reasoning capabilities they may never have manually selected in earlier versions.
Yet the same routing that helps casual users frustrates advanced practitioners. Developers who had carefully designed workflows around specific models - reasoning vs. fast vs. research-grade - now find those decisions taken out of their hands. Transparency is limited, and as Nir Gazit, CEO of Trace Loop, noted, "We have no idea what's happening behind the scenes. Even developers can't see which model was chosen."
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