Emphasis on Programming, Adhering to Guidelines, and Managing Extended Context

OpenAI has recently introduced three new models in its API lineup: GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and GPT-4.1 nano. These models promise significant enhancements in areas like coding, instruction adherence, and managing extended contexts of up to 1 million tokens.
Performance Improvements
The main model, GPT-4.1, shows remarkable enhancements compared to its predecessor, GPT-4o, especially in the following categories:
- Coding Efficiency: GPT-4.1 scored 54.6% on the SWE-bench Verified benchmark, which is a substantial jump from the 33.2% of GPT-4o and 38% for GPT-4.5. This improvement indicates a stronger ability to handle complex software development challenges.
- Following Instructions: In the Scale MultiChallenge evaluation, GPT-4.1 achieved a score of 38.3%, representing an enhancement of 10.5 points compared to GPT-4o. This shows that it is better at interpreting and acting on user instructions.
- Managing Long Contexts: GPT-4.1 set a new benchmark with a score of 72% on the Video-MME evaluation, specifically designed for understanding multimodal content over extended contexts.
Different Models for Various Needs
Besides GPT-4.1, the mini and nano versions provide a balance between performance and cost:
- GPT-4.1 mini: This compact model not only exceeds GPT-4o in various assessments but also nearly halves latency and reduces costs by 83%.
- GPT-4.1 nano: As the fastest and most affordable option, this model is well suited for simpler tasks like classification and autocompletion, still managing to handle contexts up to 1 million tokens despite its smaller size.
Improved Capabilities for Smart Applications
The enhancements in reliability (in following instructions) and the capacity to handle extensive contexts position GPT-4.1 as a stronger tool for developing autonomous agents. This allows developers to create more effective systems for managing documents, software development tasks, or processing customer inquiries automatically.
Upcoming Changes: Deprecation of GPT-4.5 Preview
OpenAI has announced that it will phase out the GPT-4.5 Preview model, shifting focus to GPT-4.1, which delivers better performance at a lower cost. The deactivation of GPT-4.5 Preview will begin on July 14, 2025, providing developers ample time to transition smoothly to the newer model.
API Access Exclusivity
It’s important to note that GPT-4.1 will be available only through the OpenAI API. However, users of ChatGPT can expect gradual integration of GPT-4.1’s improvements into the existing GPT-4o version, enhancing their overall experience.
Competitive Pricing
The pricing for GPT-4.1 has been adjusted downwards, making it 26% cheaper than GPT-4o for common requests. The GPT-4.1 nano, in particular, offers the most competitive pricing ever seen from OpenAI, making it an attractive option for users looking for value.
For more information, visit the [OpenAI official page](https://openai.com/index/gpt-4-1/).