OpenAI released GPT-6 on October 20, 2026, saying it significantly improves performance with legacy programming languages like COBOL and Fortran. It is the company's first major update to its AI models since the launch of GPT-5.6 Terra.
OpenAI reported an average test pass rate of 87.4% on MultiLangBench across 20 languages, measured by building a SQLite-compatible database engine from scratch. That compares with about 38% for GPT-5.6 Terra.
GPT-6 is built on advanced reasoning architectures and targets critical infrastructure applications, including banking systems and ATM transactions. Availability begins in early 2027, initially for developers and enterprise users.
"IBM estimates that COBOL powers more than 40 percent of online banking systems and 95 percent of all ATM transactions," said Matthias Bastian, a contributor at thedecoder. The company emphasized the importance of supporting these legacy systems for global infrastructure.
The announcement follows growing demand for AI solutions that can handle outdated but essential codebases. OpenAI highlighted the need for models that can maintain and modernize legacy systems without disrupting existing operations.
OpenAI did not say when GPT-6 will be available for public use, and it raised questions about the long-term viability of legacy languages in an increasingly modernized tech landscape. The company said it will continue to refine the model for broader deployment.
Source: thedecoder
