OpenAI Launches Free, Downloadable Models to Propel Competitive Advantage

A Fresh Wave of AI: Open-Weight Models

On Tuesday, OpenAI introduced two new language models—gpt‑oss‑120b and gpt‑oss‑20b—that can be downloaded for free and customized by users. The move aims to compete with the open‑weight offerings from the U.S. and China.

The Open-Weight Concept

• When trained parameters are publicly available, users can fine‑tune the model.
• OpenAI stresses that the new models are “text‑only” and perform well at a low cost.
• They are suited for tasks like internet searching and code execution, and can run on local systems.

Strategic Partners and Safety Measures

• OpenAI is working with Orange (French telecom giant) and Snowflake (cloud data platform).
• The models are tuned to prevent malicious use.

Leadership and Mission

Sam Altman emphasized that OpenAI’s mission—rooted in its 2015 nonprofit beginnings—is to develop AGI that benefits all of humanity. He noted that this release is the first open‑weight language model in a long time and is “incredible.”

Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Debate

Altman earlier admitted that OpenAI had been “wrong” about openness. He then confirmed that the company will remain a nonprofit, dropping a contested plan to become a for‑profit entity. The new plan keeps the profit‑making arm under the nonprofit board’s supervision.