ChatGPT Interface Updated Ahead of Anticipated GPT-5 Release

OpenAI has implemented a significant redesign of the ChatGPT user interface, accompanied by updates to its iPhone and iPad mobile applications. The changes, observed earlier this week, streamline the platform’s design and suggest preparations for the upcoming release of GPT-5.

The revised interface simplifies the prompt composition process, emphasizing direct text input—the anticipated primary mode of interaction with the AI. A consolidated “Plus” symbol now incorporates previously separate functionalities such as tool selection (including options like Agent, Deep Research, and Web Search), file uploads, image integration, and connections to external data sources. Voice dictation capabilities are similarly streamlined with a dedicated button.

Analysts suggest these changes indicate an automated model selection process within GPT-5, eliminating the need for users to manually choose specific AI models. This functionality would allow the system to independently determine the optimal resources – potentially combining advanced reasoning models or utilizing lighter versions of GPT-5 – based on individual tasks. While this automation is expected to enhance user experience, the possibility of occasional errors or a preference for specific tool usage remains likely, suggesting existing tools will remain accessible within the “Plus” menu.

The model selection dropdown at the top of the chat window, currently listing options such as o3, GPT-4o, and GPT-4.1, is expected to incorporate GPT-5 upon its release, potentially leading to the retirement of some existing standalone models. Preliminary access attempts using a URL referencing “gpt-5” resulted in a temporary interface where the model was identified simply as “ChatGPT,” accompanied by restrictions on file uploads and an initial identification as utilizing the GPT-4o model.

Notably, these UI alterations are currently accessible to users in Europe, signaling a potential for prompt rollout within the EU region—a departure from previous instances of regulatory delays impacting ChatGPT updates there.