OpenAI developing ChatGPT router to auto-select best AI model

OpenAI is reportedly developing an automatic “router” function for ChatGPT that will intelligently select the best AI model for each user query, eliminating the current manual model selection process. The feature addresses a growing complexity problem as ChatGPT now offers seven different models to paying subscribers, each optimized for different tasks, creating decision paralysis for many users.

What you should know: Social media reports from AI researchers suggest the router will automatically match user prompts to the most appropriate OpenAI model based on the query’s content and requirements.

• OpenAI researcher “Roon” (@tszzl on X) indicated users will retain the ability to manually select models, stating “You’ll still be able to select. This is a product to make sure that doctors aren’t stuck on 4o-mini.”
• The router would seamlessly switch between reasoning models (like o3, o4-mini) for math and coding tasks, and non-reasoning models (like GPT-4.5, GPT-4.1) for creative writing and communication.

The complexity problem: ChatGPT subscribers currently face seven different model options, creating an overwhelming choice that many users struggle to navigate effectively.

• The available models include GPT-4o, o3, o4-mini, o4-mini-high, GPT-4.5 (Research Preview), GPT-4.1, and GPT-4.1-mini.
• Each model has distinct strengths: OpenAI’s “o” series reasoning models excel at math, science, and coding, while non-reasoning models perform better at creative and communication tasks.
• Regular users without deep AI knowledge often miss out on optimal responses because they don’t understand which model suits their specific needs.

Broader implications: Industry observers suggest the router could significantly accelerate AI adoption by removing barriers to accessing more capable responses.

• Yuchen Jin from Hyperbolic Labs, an AI inference cloud provider, posted that the router concept ties into rumors about GPT-5 being “multiple models” with automatic routing between “reasoning, non-reasoning, and tool-using models.”
• With ChatGPT’s 500 million active users as of March, automatic model selection could create a “snowball effect” where better results drive increased adoption and willingness to pay for AI services.
• The development follows similar third-party products like Token Monster, which automatically combines responses from multiple LLMs.

What they’re saying: OpenAI declined to provide comment or additional information about the reported router functionality when contacted by VentureBeat.