OpenAI launches o3-mini, its latest AI reasoning model

Microsoft-backed OpenAI on Friday introduced o3-mini, the latest addition to its ‘o’ family of AI reasoning models. The company first previewed the model in December alongside a more advanced system, o3.Sam Altman, OpenAI’s chief executive, announced the launch on X, calling it a “smart, fast model” available on both ChatGPT and API.

He added that o3-mini can search the web, explain its reasoning, and is accessible to free-tier users via a “reason” button.

The launch comes as OpenAI seeks to counter concerns that it is losing ground in…