AI Reference 061 Modern Model Families Current · Aug 2026 Primary sources linked

The GPT Model Family

Definition

GPT is OpenAI's family of generative pretrained transformer models, evolving from research language models into multimodal, reasoning and tool-using systems.

What does GPT mean?

GPT stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer. OpenAI introduced the first GPT research model in 2018, followed by GPT-2 in 2019 and GPT-3 in 2020. The family uses transformer-based language modeling followed by later adaptation for instruction following and product use.

How the family evolved

GPT-3 popularized large-scale few-shot prompting. GPT-4, released in 2023, expanded capability and multimodal input. GPT-5 arrived in 2025 and later GPT-5.x releases continued the move toward reasoning, tool use, coding and multimodal professional workflows.

How GPT is delivered

Modern GPT models are proprietary hosted models accessed through ChatGPT, APIs and partner products rather than downloadable weights. Different GPT variants trade capability, latency and price, so 'GPT' names a family rather than one fixed model.

Related terms, defined

Modern Model Families GPT-5.4 OpenAI released GPT-5.4 in March 2026 for professional work, with GPT-5.4 Thinking in ChatGPT and GPT-5.4 plus GPT-5.4 Pro in the API. OpenAI later released GPT-5.4 mini and nano as faster, lower-cost members of the same generation. Modern Model Families The Gemini Model Family Gemini is Google's multimodal model family developed by Google DeepMind and integrated into Google products and developer platforms. Modern Model Families Gemini 3.5 Google introduced Gemini 3.5 in May 2026, beginning with Gemini 3.5 Flash, which Google positions for fast agentic workflows. Google also announced Gemini 3.5 Pro as part of the same family. Modern Model Families The Claude Model Family Claude is Anthropic's family of language and multimodal models, with product lines including higher-capability Opus models and efficiency-oriented Sonnet models. Modern Model Families Claude Opus 4.6 Claude Opus 4.6 is a 2026 Anthropic frontier model. Anthropic's system card documents extensive evaluation across coding, computer use, safety, alignment and other capability areas.

Reference guide and primary sources

Wikipedia is used here as a terminology and history reference guide. Current model versions, institutional statistics and product-specific claims are also linked to first-party or institutional sources because those details can change faster than encyclopedia articles.

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