Why GPT-6’s launch date matters as much as its model name

OpenAI says the October versions of GPT-6 Sol and GPT-6 Luna replace GPT-5.6 Sol and GPT-5.6 Luna in ChatGPT globally. Codex and ChatGPT Work users accessing GPT-6 Sol and GPT-6 Luna remain on the previously released September versions, so the same model names do not identify the same release across products. [7][9] Why it matters: Release-version distinctions matter when interpreting OpenAI’s safety claims: the company says October’s ChatGPT models incorporate Astra’s safety advances and updated protections against high-risk misuse. Its published material is a summary of an internal safeguards report, not the complete underlying assessment. [7][9] Key insights: The rollout covers both free and paid ChatGPT plans, rather than being restricted to a paid tier. [7][9] | OpenAI explicitly distinguishes September and October releases because Codex and ChatGPT Work retain earlier versions. [7][9] | The updated safety training targets high-risk misuse involving cyber, biology and violence. [7][9] | OpenAI says its internal safeguards report informed the advisory recommendation and leadership decision that protections were sufficient for public launch; some details were withheld because they could help attackers. [7][9] Cheatsheet facts: What changed: October GPT-6 Sol and GPT-6 Luna replace GPT-5.6 Sol and GPT-5.6 Luna in ChatGPT. [7][9] | Why now: OpenAI says the release incorporates Astra’s safety advances and training updated to reflect real-world use. [7][9] | Watch next: Check the product and release month when comparing GPT-6 behaviour: ChatGPT uses October versions, while Codex and ChatGPT Work retain September versions. [7][9]