
Summary Box [In a hurry? Just read this⚡]
- OpenAI has rolled out a major inference optimization update to GPT-5.2 and GPT-5.2-Codex, delivering 40 percent faster response times across all API users.
- The speedup comes from improvements in the inference stack without changing model weights, architecture, or core capabilities, preserving full accuracy and intelligence.
- Developers benefit from quicker code generation, faster chat responses, reduced wait times, and better real-time performance in applications like coding assistants and content tools.
- The update improves productivity, lowers effective compute costs for high-volume usage, and enhances scalability for enterprise and consumer-facing products.
- All existing API integrations automatically receive the faster inference, no code changes required, making this a seamless, immediate win for the entire developer community.
OpenAI has announced a significant performance upgrade to its GPT-5.2 and GPT-5.2-Codex models, achieving a 40% reduction in latency through optimizations in the inference stack.
This enhancement applies to all API customers, ensuring faster response times without altering the underlying model weights or architecture.
Topics
ToggleThe update focuses on streamlining the computational processes involved in generating outputs, making the models more efficient for real-time applications.
Developers building tools for coding, content creation, and data analysis can now expect quicker iterations, which is particularly valuable in high-volume scenarios.
Understanding Inference Optimization
GPT-5.2 and GPT-5.2-Codex are now 40% faster.
— OpenAI Developers (@OpenAIDevs) February 4, 2026
We have optimized our inference stack for all API customers.
Same model. Same weights. Lower latency.
Inference refers to the phase where a trained AI model processes inputs to produce outputs. Optimizations here typically involve techniques like quantization, pruning, or improved hardware utilization to reduce processing time.
In this case, OpenAI has refined its stack to deliver the same high-quality results at lower latency, maintaining accuracy across tasks such as natural language understanding, code generation, and complex reasoning.
Key benefits include:
- Enhanced Productivity: Faster responses enable seamless integration into workflows, reducing wait times for developers and end-users.
- Cost Efficiency: Lower latency can translate to reduced computational costs, especially for API users billed by usage.
- Scalability: Supports handling larger loads, beneficial for enterprise applications and growing user bases.
- Consistency: The models retain their original capabilities, ensuring no loss in performance quality.
This move aligns with OpenAI‘s ongoing efforts to make advanced AI more accessible and practical.
Implications for Developers and Businesses
For Codex users, who rely on the model for programming assistance, the speedup means more rapid code suggestions and debugging. In broader GPT-5.2 applications, such as chatbots or automated writing tools, the improvement enhances user experience by minimizing delays.
Read More: 2026 GLM-5 Launch: Release Date, Expected Features, Pricing and More
Potential trade-offs, if any, might involve balancing speed with resource allocation, but OpenAI emphasizes that the core intelligence remains unchanged. Businesses adopting these models should test integrations to quantify the gains in their specific use cases.
Before and After Comparison
While exact metrics vary by workload, here’s a conceptual overview of the impact:
| Aspect | Pre-Optimization | Post-Optimization |
|---|---|---|
| Latency | Standard processing time | 40 percent faster |
| Model Weights | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Accuracy | High | High (no degradation) |
| API Accessibility | Available to all customers | Available to all customers |
| Use Cases | Coding, reasoning, generation | Same, with improved efficiency |
This table illustrates the focused nature of the update, emphasizing speed without compromising other elements.
OpenAI‘s initiative sets a benchmark for the industry, potentially inspiring similar enhancements from rivals.
Developers are encouraged to update their implementations to leverage these gains, fostering more innovative and responsive AI-driven solutions.



