OpenAI pushes to release new AI model codenamed ‘Garlic’ as Google’s Gemini gains users

OpenAI is reportedly developing a new AI model codenamed as ‘Garlic’ as Google’s latest releases threaten to overtake in the closely contested AI race. As per a new report from The Information, OpenAI plans to release a version of the new large language model by early next year. 

Citing sources, the report stated that the AI firm’s Chief Research Officer Mark Chen told employees that the AI model was on par with Google’s new Gemini 3 model and Anthropic’s Opus 4.5 on tasks like coding and reasoning. 

The AI model is expected to be released as GPT-5.2 or GPT-5.5. 

Just a couple of days ago, it was reported that CEO Sam Altman had declared “code red” internally to push ChatGPT’s core efforts while delaying initiatives around their other consumer-facing tools like health and shopping. 

Altman also said that OpenAI has a new reasoning AI model that is ahead of Gemini 3 according to internal evaluations. 

The report also added that the ‘Garlic’ model still remains to go through post-training, testing and safety evaluations before its release. 

Post the launch of Nano Banana Pro and Gemini 3, Goole’s Gemini app has been catching up in popularity while garnering praise from industry execs like Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff as well as users.