Sam Altman just teased GPT-5 with one question — and the answer says it all

Image of a phone with chatgpt logo on a keyboard
(Image credit: ChatGPT AI generated image)

GPT-5 is coming and the anticipation of OpenAI's latest and most sophisticated model is building.

But it's a recent X post from OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, showcasing the model's sophistication, that is raising eybrows across the AI world.

Altman prompted the chatbot by asking "What is the most thought-provoking show about AI?"

From there, the chatbot delivered a breakdown that felt more advanced than what users typically see from GPT-4. That alone, followed by Altman's response to a user, confirmed Altman was quietly giving us a preview of GPT-5.

The depth of the reply, and the fact that he shared it at all, strongly suggest that we might be seeing ChatGPT-5 any day now. This preview lines up with reports that OpenAI is preparing to launch GPT-5 as early as mid-August 2025.

According to OpenAI insiders, GPT-5 is expected to include:

ChatGPT logo on a smartphone with the OpenAI sign in the background

(Image credit: Shutterstock)
  • A unified architecture combining GPT and o-series (like o3) intelligence
  • More advanced reasoning, memory, and multimodal capabilities
  • Tiered access: Free, Plus, and Pro versions with increasing capability
  • A stronger push toward autonomous agent behavior

Altman himself confirmed that GPT-5 has been deeply helpful in his personal workflow.

Speaking on comedian Theo Von’s podcast “This Past Weekend,” Altman shared that the model effortlessly handled a tough email he’d been putting off:

“I felt like I was useless… but the AI just did it like that.”

Even OpenAI's CEO has concerns

Sam Altman

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Despite the excitement, Altman has voiced concerns about the model’s power and potential.

In the same podcast, Altman candidly compared GPT‑5’s development pace to the Manhattan Project and admitted feeling unnerved by the model’s power.

He also posted on X warning users to "bear with us through some probable hiccups and capacity crunches" as OpenAI prepares to scale its infrastructure for the upcoming release.

Why the Pantheon prompt matters

A person typing on a computer, lit up by the screen

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Altman’s TV prompt revealed something deeper. The fluid, context-rich response felt eerily human. It was a reminder of how close these models are getting to understanding cultural nuance, emotional weight and moral gray areas.

And if that was GPT-5 in action, it’s a preview of an assistant that doesn't just answer, but thinks.

What it means for ChatGPT users

It's clear that users can expect a major upgrade in how ChatGPT handles complex tasks, long conversations, creative prompts and real-world decision-making.

This aligns with OpenAI’s broader push toward more agentic AI; tools that do more than respond to commands, but proactively help users accomplish goals across apps, files and the web.

That evolution may explain recent updates to features like Study Mode, ChatGPT Agent and custom GPTs, all of which could soon feel much smarter with a new model under the hood.

Final thoughts

Sam Altman on a phone with ChatGPT logo

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Sam Altman didn’t explicitly say “GPT-5 is here.” But the prompt he shared, the model’s response and his recent comments all suggest OpenAI is nearing its next major leap.

And if that was GPT-5 recommending TV shows, crafting emails and drawing philosophical parallels, it’s no wonder even Altman sounds a little nervous.


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Amanda Caswell
AI Writer

Amanda Caswell is an award-winning journalist, bestselling YA author, and one of today’s leading voices in AI and technology. A celebrated contributor to various news outlets, her sharp insights and relatable storytelling have earned her a loyal readership. Amanda’s work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including outstanding contribution to media.

Known for her ability to bring clarity to even the most complex topics, Amanda seamlessly blends innovation and creativity, inspiring readers to embrace the power of AI and emerging technologies. As a certified prompt engineer, she continues to push the boundaries of how humans and AI can work together.

Beyond her journalism career, Amanda is a bestselling author of science fiction books for young readers, where she channels her passion for storytelling into inspiring the next generation. A long-distance runner and mom of three, Amanda’s writing reflects her authenticity, natural curiosity, and heartfelt connection to everyday life — making her not just a journalist, but a trusted guide in the ever-evolving world of technology.

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