![Earlier this week on Tuesday the 5th, OpenAI released two open-source models [1], gpt-oss-120B and gpt-oss-29B. And honestly? It made me wonder.](https://www.open-source-ward.com/content/images/size/w1200/2025/08/ChatGPT-Image-30-juin-2025-a---17_16_32-1.png "Why Did OpenAI Just Open-Sourced Two Models?")
Why Did OpenAI Just Open-Sourced Two Models?
Earlier this week on Tuesday the 5th, OpenAI released two open-source models [1], gpt-oss-120B and gpt-oss-29B. And honestly? It made me wonder. What's the point for OpenAI to release models like these when they've spent hundreds of millions of dollars training them? Especially when their entire business model revolves around selling monthly subscriptions and billing API calls?
First thing to note: OpenAI hasn't released their top-tier models. We're not getting the GPT-4.x versions here. These open-source models are significantly less powerful than what they're keeping behind the paywall.
My first thought was that OpenAI might be trying to build a freemium funnel. Developers and companies could start with these open-source models, build workflows, and eventually hit their limitations.
At that point, they're looking for better accuracy, higher performance, and hosted infrastructure, so they upgrade to paid products. Congrats, you've just acquired new customers!
