OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Addresses GPT-5 Launch Glitches in Reddit AMA
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and key members of the GPT-5 development team recently engaged with the community in a candid Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) session on August 8, 2025, addressing the initial “bumpy” rollout of their latest flagship AI model. The session, which drew significant attention, aimed to clarify widespread user concerns and technical hiccups that marred GPT-5’s much-anticipated debut.
A primary point of contention was the perceived underperformance of GPT-5 compared to its predecessor, GPT-4o. Many users reported that the new model felt “dumber” or less capable, particularly in tasks requiring complex reasoning, coding, and nuanced long-form interactions. Altman attributed a significant portion of these issues to a malfunctioning real-time router. This innovative system was designed to intelligently determine whether GPT-5 should provide a quick response or engage in more extensive “thinking” for complex queries, thereby optimizing speed and accuracy. However, a technical glitch, referred to by Altman as a “sev” where the “autoswitcher was out of commission,” prevented the router from functioning as intended on launch day, leading to inconsistent and often underwhelming outputs. Altman assured users that fixes were being implemented, stating, “GPT-5 will seem smarter starting today,” and that OpenAI is working on improving the router’s “decision boundary” for more consistent performance. The company also plans to increase transparency regarding which model is handling a user’s query.
Another notable incident that sparked widespread discussion and memes was the “chart crime” during GPT-5’s launch presentation. An inaccurate bar chart was displayed, visually misrepresenting data by showing smaller numerical values with disproportionately taller bars. Altman publicly acknowledged the error on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “mega chart screwup” and attributing it to human error from tired staff working late on the livestream. While the official blog post versions of the charts were promptly corrected, the on-screen gaffe highlighted the pressures and potential pitfalls of high-stakes product launches.
In response to overwhelming user feedback, particularly the fervent demand to reinstate GPT-4o, OpenAI is actively considering allowing ChatGPT Plus subscribers to revert to the previous model. This concession reflects a swift response to user preferences in a highly competitive AI landscape. Additionally, OpenAI announced plans to double the rate limits for ChatGPT Plus users as the GPT-5 rollout concludes, providing more flexibility for those adapting to the new model.
Despite the initial stumbles, GPT-5 was launched with promises of significant advancements, including enhanced reasoning, faster responses, reduced hallucinations, and stronger coding capabilities, setting new benchmarks in various academic and real-world tests. The rollout underscores the inherent complexities of deploying cutting-edge AI at scale, where even minor technical glitches can profoundly impact user perception and trust. OpenAI’s rapid engagement and commitment to addressing feedback demonstrate a dedication to refining their offerings and maintaining user confidence in the evolving world of artificial intelligence.