OpenAI's Model Mess: Now GPT-4.1 Adds to ChatGPT Confusion

OpenAI adds GPT-4.1 to ChatGPT, increasing user confusion with its growing AI model options like GPT-4o and various specialized versions, despite promises of simplification. GPT-4.1 offers a large context window and improved coding capabilities.

OpenAI's Model Lineup Gets More Confusing: GPT-4.1 Arrives

The Headline: OpenAI adds GPT-4.1 to ChatGPT amid complaints over confusing model lineup.

The Issue: ChatGPT Pro users now have access to around nine different AI models, including GPT-4o, specialized versions of GPT-4o, o1-pro, o3-mini, o3-mini-high, and now GPT-4.1. This has led to confusion among users about which model to choose.

GPT-4.1 Details:

• GPT-4.1 was initially only available through OpenAI's API but is now accessible in ChatGPT for paid subscribers.
• It boasts a large 1 million token context window (approximately 3,000 pages of text).
• OpenAI is positioning GPT-4.1 as better for coding and instruction following.
• GPT-4.1 mini is replacing GPT-4o mini across all ChatGPT tiers, including free accounts.

Why is this happening?

• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the confusing naming practices in February 2025.
• He mentioned a future "GPT-5" model that would consolidate the branding.
• However, the addition of GPT-4.1 seems to contradict this simplification goal.

Which Model Should You Use?

• GPT-4o remains the default in ChatGPT due to its versatility and balance.
• GPT-4.1 is positioned as a faster option for coding assistance.
• Remember all models are prone to "confabulations" (making up information), so double-check outputs