OpenAI launches GPT-Realtime-2 with GPT-5-class reasoning, adds real-time translation across 70 languages

OpenAI has released three new voice intelligence features in its Realtime API: GPT-Realtime-2, a voice model with GPT-5-class reasoning; GPT-Realtime-Translate for real-time conversational translation; and GPT-Realtime-Whisper for live transcription.

GPT-Realtime-2: Voice with advanced reasoning

GPT-Realtime-2 succeeds GPT-Realtime-1.5 and includes what OpenAI describes as "GPT-5-class reasoning" designed to handle complex user requests during voice conversations. The model creates realistic vocal simulations and can converse with users while applying advanced reasoning capabilities. Pricing is token-based, though specific rates were not disclosed.

GPT-Realtime-Translate: 70 input languages, 13 output languages

The translation feature supports 70 input languages (languages it can understand) and 13 output languages (languages it can speak). According to OpenAI, the system provides real-time translation that "keeps pace" with conversational flow. The feature is billed by the minute, with pricing not yet disclosed.

GPT-Realtime-Whisper: Live transcription

GPT-Realtime-Whisper adds live speech-to-text capabilities, capturing transcriptions as conversations occur. Like the translation feature, it is billed by the minute.

Target use cases and safeguards

OpenAI positions these features for customer service, education, media, events, and creator platforms. The company stated it has implemented guardrails to prevent misuse for spam, fraud, or abuse. Conversations can be automatically halted if they violate OpenAI's harmful content guidelines, though the company did not specify how these triggers operate.

According to OpenAI, the new models move real-time audio "from simple call-and-response toward voice interfaces that can actually do work: listen, reason, translate, transcribe, and take action as a conversation unfolds."

What this means

The addition of GPT-5-class reasoning to voice models marks a capability upgrade beyond the previous generation, though OpenAI has not released GPT-5 itself or clarified what "GPT-5-class" specifically means in terms of benchmark performance. The 70-language translation support is substantial for multilingual applications, but the 13-output language limitation means many users will be able to understand the system but not receive responses in their native language. The per-minute billing for translation and transcription differs from the token-based model used for GPT-Realtime-2, which may affect cost predictability for developers building conversational applications.