Observed Signal · Sep 29, 2026 · Product Launch · Source: OpenAI Blog · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Positive
OpenAI introduces GPT-6.1 Sol, cheaper near-Astra model
At OpenAI DevDay, OpenAI introduced GPT-6.1 Sol, a cost-efficient AI model delivering near-GPT-6 Astra performance at a fraction of the cost. Scoring 52 points on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index (one point below Astra), Sol costs $0.72 per task versus Astra's $3.26. API pricing is set at $2 per million input tokens and $10 per million output tokens, with cached input at $0.10 per million. Sol excels in agentic coding, computer use, and professional workflows, outperforming GPT-6 Sol on benchmarks like DeepSWE 1.1 and AutomationBench, while approaching Astra’s scores. Notably, OpenAI cancelled GPT-6.1 Astra due to safety concerns, as reported by WSJ. GPT-6.1 Sol is available in ChatGPT Work and Codex for Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu users, and via API; an Ultrafast version with up to 8x faster token generation is expected soon.
OpenAI's release of a more cost-efficient, high-performance model could accelerate AI adoption in ad tech and marketing, enabling more complex agentic workflows and automation at lower cost.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- OpenAI launched GPT-6.1 Sol at DevDay, scoring 52 points on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index, one point below GPT-6 Astra.
- GPT-6.1 Sol costs $0.72 per task, about a quarter of GPT-6 Astra's $3.26, with API pricing at $2 per million input and $10 per million output tokens (cached input $0.10).
- Sol focuses on agentic coding, computer use, and professional workflows, outperforming GPT-6 Sol on benchmarks like DeepSWE 1.1 (+6.4) and AutomationBench (+4.8).
- OpenAI cancelled GPT-6.1 Astra due to safety concerns; GPT-6 Astra remains the top frontier model.
- GPT-6.1 Sol is available in ChatGPT Work and Codex for Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu users, and via API; Ultrafast version planned.
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