OpenAI, the creator of the popular ChatGPT, has introduced GPT-4o mini. This is a cheaper and simplified version of its most advanced AI model, GPT-4o.This Affordable Version of ChatGPT for Wider Use is more accessible to a broader range of developers and business users. It suits those who do not need the most advanced and expensive model. Moreover, GPT-4o mini is part of a trend where major AI companies recognize the need to expand their offerings. They aim at those who either lack the funds or do not require highly sophisticated models.

GPT-4o mini will replace the older GPT-3.5 Turbo model in ChatGPT. It is available to free users and subscribers of ChatGPT Plus and Team services. Additionally, business clients will be offered the new version next week. OpenAI aims to strengthen its position in the increasingly competitive market of small AI models. Notably, GPT-4o mini is the cheapest offering from OpenAI. It even costs less than the previously cheapest GPT-3.5 Turbo.

Processes and Generates Text and Images

Olivier Godement, head of the OpenAI API program, emphasized: “Our mission is to offer state-of-the-art solutions and the most powerful models. However, we also want to provide smaller models to make this advanced technology accessible to everyone.”

Although GPT-4o mini is less capable than its “older brother” GPT-4o, it offers similar functionalities. These will expand over time. Initially, GPT-4o mini will be able to process and generate text and images. Furthermore, OpenAI plans to extend its capabilities to other types of content in the future.

New Security Solution

GPT-4o mini is the first AI model from OpenAI to use a new security solution called “instruction hierarchy.” Despite being affordable Version of ChatGPT, or let’s call it cheaper, this approach aims to make the AI system more resistant to abuse. Specifically, it does this by prioritizing certain prompts, such as those from the company, over others. Consequently, this makes it harder to misuse the tool.

Over the past week, some companies had the opportunity to test the new model. For example, the startup Superhuman used it to create automated responses to messages. Similarly, the financial startup Ramp used it to gather information from various financial documents. This clearly shows that small models like GPT-4o mini are sufficient in various business scenarios.

Wider Trend, Double Benefit

The launch of affordable version of ChatGPT-4o mini is part of a broader trend in the artificial intelligence industry. Leading companies, including Microsoft, Anthropic, Google, and Meta, often release more agile, less capable, and cheaper versions of their most advanced models. Startups like AI21 Labs and Cohere are also creating simpler and more affordable models. We have previously written about this trend.

The benefits of this trend are twofold. Firstly, smaller and cheaper models are ideal for automating simpler operations without the need to spend a lot of money. Secondly, companies find new clients for whom the most advanced models are too expensive. This generates revenue, especially when substantial investments have been made, and significant profits are yet to come.