# OpenAI’s 2024 Highlights and Expectations for 2025: The Ongoing Evolution of ChatGPT
OpenAI concluded 2024 with a plethora of remarkable announcements, reinforcing its status as a frontrunner in the realm of artificial intelligence advancements. The “12 Days” event showcased the launch of numerous eagerly awaited updates and features for ChatGPT, along with previews of what lies ahead in 2025. With improved reasoning models and broader accessibility options, OpenAI is undoubtedly reaffirming its dedication to making AI more practical, user-friendly, and integrated into daily experiences. Below is a summary of the pivotal developments from 2024 and a sneak peek into the future of ChatGPT and additional OpenAI offerings.
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## **Major Announcements from OpenAI’s “12 Days” Event**
### **1. ChatGPT o1 Models and Canvas Mode Officially Released**
The ChatGPT o1 models, engineered to enhance reasoning and contextual comprehension, officially transitioned out of beta in 2024. These models are expected to deliver more precise and intricate responses, enhancing ChatGPT’s reliability for both professional and personal applications.
Canvas Mode, another significant enhancement, became fully accessible. This feature enables users to engage with ChatGPT through a visual, drag-and-drop environment, facilitating more innovative and collaborative uses. Whether for ideation, project management, or workflow visualization, Canvas Mode has proven to be transformative for users.
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### **2. ChatGPT Search Available for Free Tier Users**
A notable update was the introduction of ChatGPT Search for free-tier users. This feature empowers ChatGPT to browse the internet in real-time, providing current information and broadening the AI’s versatility for research and verification. Once exclusive to premium users, this expansion of access has increased the tool’s appeal.
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### **3. Launch of Sora: OpenAI’s Text-to-Video Creator**
OpenAI garnered attention with the public release of **Sora**, its eagerly awaited text-to-video creator. Sora enables individuals to generate high-quality videos from basic text prompts, creating new opportunities for content developers, educators, and businesses alike. Despite a positive initial reception, users have begun requesting enhancements, and OpenAI has vowed to deliver substantial improvements in 2025.
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### **4. ChatGPT o3: The Next-Generation Reasoning Model**
OpenAI introduced **ChatGPT o3**, a new reasoning model anticipated to launch in early 2025. Although specifics are limited, o3 is expected to build upon the victories of o1 and o2, providing even enhanced contextual comprehension and analytical abilities. This announcement has stirred excitement regarding future developments in AI.
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### **5. Enhanced Accessibility: 1-800 ChatGPT and Mac App Updates**
To increase accessibility, OpenAI rolled out a **1-800 number** that enables users to interact with the AI via landlines and WhatsApp. This initiative is particularly significant for those without smartphones or computers, extending the reach of AI technology.
Additionally, the ChatGPT Mac application received enhancements to integrate more effectively with coding and texting platforms, improving its functionality for developers and professionals.
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## **What’s Missing? The GPT-5 (Orion) Enigma**
Despite a flurry of announcements, one prominent absence was **GPT-5**, also referred to as “Orion.” Allegedly under development for over a year, GPT-5 has reportedly encountered delays due to technical hurdles. While OpenAI has not confirmed a release timeline, speculations indicate that 2025 may finally witness the launch of this advanced model.
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## **What Lies Ahead in 2025? Sam Altman’s Insights and User Suggestions**
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman utilized X (formerly Twitter) on Christmas Day to solicit ideas for the future of ChatGPT. Here are some of the most captivating proposals alongside Altman’s feedback, providing a preview of what users can anticipate in 2025.
### **1. Family Accounts**
One of the most sought-after features was **family accounts**, permitting multiple users to share a single subscription with individualized settings. Altman deemed it a “good idea,” suggesting that this feature might be in the works.
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### **2. Enhancements to Advanced Voice Mode**
Users expressed interest in improvements to **Advanced Voice Mode**, advocating for better memory capabilities to recall past interactions and more natural conversational turn-taking in voice exchanges. Altman acknowledged these recommendations, indicating that voice features will receive upgrades in the upcoming year.
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### **3. A “Grown-Up” Mode**
A contentious yet popular suggestion was for a **“grown-up” mode** with fewer restrictions, facilitating more unrestricted and open dialogues. While Altman concurred that ChatGPT could benefit from a grown-up mode, it’s improbable that OpenAI will lower its safety and ethical standards.
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### **4. AI Model Compatibility**
One user suggested a new
