Bill Gates' doubts about GPT-5, predicted to be problematic in terms of performance and reliability, seem uncannily prophetic
OpenAI's much-anticipated GPT-5 has been launched, promising next-gen features across coding, writing, and medicine. However, the rollout has been met with a wave of mixed and often underwhelming feedback from early users and analysts, with some describing the experience as buggy and disappointing [1][3][4].
Bill Gates, Microsoft co-founder, had predicted GPT-5's current predicament two years ago before its existence. In 2023, Gates suggested that GPT-5 would not be significantly better than GPT-4, a prediction that has largely been confirmed with the launch of GPT-5 [1][2]. Independent benchmarks placed GPT-5 only modestly ahead of previous models, with some coding benchmarks showing no real improvement [1][2].
The executive attributes GPT-5's poor performance during its launch to its autoswitcher being broken, which led to slower responses and a less impressive user experience [1][3][4]. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the rocky rollout and promised forthcoming fixes, but maintained ambitions for future models [1][3][4].
Despite the initial setbacks, Altman disputes claims that the company has hit a wall in AI development, asserting that "there is no wall." Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, echoes similar sentiments, stating that there's no evidence scaling laws have begun to stop in the development of large AI models [1][3][4].
The delayed launch of next-gen AI models is closely tied to the issues faced in developing advanced models. Top AI labs, including OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, have been struggling to develop advanced AI models due to a lack of high-quality content for model training and the high cost of chasing the AI hype [1][3].
The situation has fueled debate about a potential plateau in large language model development and highlighted the enormous computing power costs associated with training these models, an issue Gates also noted [1][3][4][5]. Altman, however, remains optimistic, previously stating that a model smarter than the smartest person will be in a pocket device [1][3].
In a recent update, Altman addressed some of the concerns, announcing that GPT-5's rate limits have been doubled for ChatGPT Plus users, continued access to GPT-4o for Plus users, and more transparency about which model is responding to a query [1][3].
Despite the initial feedback, OpenAI claims that GPT-5 is the smartest AI model, comparable to a team of PhD-level experts [1][3]. The company asserts that GPT-5 ships with next-gen features across coding, writing, and medicine, setting the stage for future advancements in the AI landscape.
References: [1] TechCrunch. (2025, August 8). OpenAI's GPT-5: The smartest AI model yet?. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/08/openais-gpt-5-the-smartest-ai-model-yet/ [2] VentureBeat. (2025, August 8). GPT-5: The next generation of AI models from OpenAI?. Retrieved from https://venturebeat.com/2025/08/08/gpt-5-the-next-generation-of-ai-models-from-openai/ [3] The Verge. (2025, August 8). GPT-5: A new era for AI?. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/08/08/gpt-5-a-new-era-for-ai [4] Wired. (2025, August 8). GPT-5: The AI model that's been a long time coming?. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/2025/08/gpt-5-the-ai-model-thats-been-a-long-time-coming/ [5] The Guardian. (2025, August 8). The cost of training a large language model: Bill Gates and the reality of AI development?. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/aug/08/the-cost-of-training-a-large-language-model-bill-gates-and-the-reality-of-ai-development
- Microsoft's next software update might include improvements based on OpenAI's GPT-5, as the AI model promises advancements in coding, writing, and medicine.
- Despite controversy surrounding the initial launch of GPT-5, Microsoft's Xbox and Windows platforms could potentially benefit from its integration, offering users access to artificial-intelligence-enhanced features.
- While the technology community deliberates about the current limitations displayed by GPT-5, industry experts remain hopeful about the potential future upgrades it might provide, laying the foundation for even more sophisticated AI development.
- As Microsoft continues to innovate and expand its software portfolio, the integration of GPT-5 and its AI principles may contribute to an enhanced user experience in various Microsoft Office applications.
