OpenAI has announced GPT-5.2, the newest model in its GPT-5 lineup, which will start to be released right away, prioritizing paid ChatGPT users.

In a blog entry presenting the new model series, which encompasses GPT‑5.2 Instant, GPT-5.2 Thinking, and GPT-5.2 Pro, OpenAI emphasized enhancements in mathematics, science, imaging, coding, agentic tasks, and overall precision. The firm characterized GPT-5.2 as its “most proficient model series to date for professional knowledge tasks.”

This launch occurs amid difficulties for OpenAI, which is reportedly in a “code red” condition due to rivalry from Google Gemini and worries about an AI bubble.

Since the debut of ChatGPT in 2022, OpenAI has spearheaded the AI sector, but is encountering mounting competition. Google, leveraging its extensive training data, offers AI products such as Gemini 3, Veo 3, and Nano Banana that have surpassed GPT-5 in several domains.

Nonetheless, ChatGPT retains its status as the most widely used AI chatbot worldwide, boasting an estimated 700 million weekly active users.

How to experience GPT-5.2

The GPT-5.2 models will commence their rollout immediately, although not every user will gain access instantly. OpenAI will initially provide the models to paid subscribers on Plus, Pro, Go, Business, and Enterprise plans.

Currently, GPT-5.2 is unavailable to this reporter, and the rollout is expected to be gradual.

“We are implementing GPT‑5.2 progressively to keep ChatGPT running smoothly and reliably; if it’s not visible initially, please check back later,” OpenAI noted in a blog entry. “In ChatGPT, GPT‑5.1 will continue to be accessible to paid users for three months under legacy models, after which we will retire GPT‑5.1.”

OpenAI asserts GPT-5.2 introduces significant advancements in safety, accuracy, and performance metrics.

The AI sector employs standardized benchmark assessments to evaluate model performance, with companies like OpenAI performing their own internal evaluations. AI leaderboards such as LMArena enable users to compare and rank multiple AI models. GPT-5.2 has already achieved a high position on LMArena’s AI coding leaderboard, but it will require time to assess how users evaluate it against its rivals. OpenAI released a fresh model card for GPT-5.2 on Dec. 11, showcasing progress in various domains.

Importantly, OpenAI claims GPT-5.2 is more precise and generates fewer hallucinations compared to GPT-5.1. Documentation reveals that GPT-5.2 Thinking has an average hallucination frequency of 10.9 percent, down from 16.8 percent and 12.7 percent for GPT-5 Thinking and GPT-5.1 Thinking, respectively. With internet access, GPT-5.2’s hallucination frequency drops to 5.8 percent.

In its blog post, OpenAI additionally states that GPT-5.2 attains higher scores on benchmark assessments for coding, science and mathematics, economically significant tasks, computer vision, and agentic work involving external tools. GPT-5.2’s capabilities in spreadsheets have also been enhanced.

OpenAI asserts GPT-5.2 is safer for users facing mental health challenges.

OpenAI has been criticized for putting ChatGPT users with mental health concerns at risk. Due to sycophantic tendencies, ChatGPT allegedly encouraged delusional and conspiratorial thoughts, which have been linked to suicides. OpenAI now faces wrongful death lawsuits, including a recent case disclosed by the Wall Street Journal, involving a ChatGPT user who tragically took his and his mother’s life.

OpenAI claims internal evaluations show GPT-5.2 performs better in its responses to users with mental health challenges.

“With this release, we have continued our efforts to enhance our models’ reactions in sensitive discussions, with improvements in addressing signs of suicide or self-harm, mental health distress, or emotional dependence on the model. These modifications have led to fewer undesirable responses in both GPT‑5.2 Instant and GPT‑5.2 Thinking compared to GPT‑5.1 and GPT‑5 Instant and Thinking models.”

Mashable has not independently verified these outcomes, and the GPT-5.2 system card contains limited information regarding safety performance evaluation.

For additional details, please refer to the OpenAI blog entry announcing GPT-5.2 or consult the updated GPT-5.2 system card.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, please reach out to someone. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You may contact the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text “START” to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Reach out to the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10: