o3

OpenAI o3 is the flagship model in OpenAI's o-series of reasoning models, released in April 2025. It is designed to spend more time thinking through problems before responding, using large-scale reinforcement learning to work through complex, multi-step tasks. The model supports a 200,000-token context window and can process both text and images as inputs. According to OpenAI, o3 makes 20% fewer major errors than its predecessor on difficult real-world tasks, with particular strength in programming, business consulting, and creative ideation.

A notable feature of o3 is its ability to integrate images directly into its reasoning process — not just interpreting them, but actively using them as part of problem-solving, including handling blurry, reversed, or low-quality visuals. The model can also autonomously combine tools such as web search, Python-based data analysis, and image generation to address multi-faceted questions. It is best suited for users who need rigorous analytical reasoning across domains like biology, mathematics, engineering, and software development, particularly when tasks require combining visual and textual information.