OpenAI has launched GPT-6 Astra, its latest frontier model, promising a significant step forward in computer use and complex, multi-step professional work. For the legal sector, early reactions suggest that the important development may be less about Astra producing a better individual answer and more about its ability to stay on track, understand the intended outcome and execute a workflow with significantly less human prompting. One early user tells us: “With a bit of iteration I think output is already better than a senior associate and many partners.” One big question, though, is whether you need it.

Astra was launched on 3 September and OpenAI describes it as its “most intelligent and aligned model” to date. The model is initially being rolled out to a limited number of organisations, with OpenAI saying that access will expand to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business and Enterprise users, as well as through the OpenAI API, Microsoft Azure and AWS Bedrock. Astra usage is included within existing ChatGPT subscription allowances, with additional credits available to purchase. Enterprise administrators have to enable Astra, with access off by default at launch.

From answering questions to completing work

One of the potentially important distinctions for legal is Astra’s ability to maintain its understanding of the objective throughout a complex task.…

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