Get to know
the frontier.
Understand the major model families, the products around them, and the questions to ask before choosing one.
A model generates and interprets information. A product gives it an interface, tools, files, and permissions. “Frontier” describes the leading edge of capability; it is not a guarantee that one model wins at every task. This is an orientation guide, not a benchmark ranking.
GPT
Hosted model familyThe model and the workspace
OpenAI presents GPT-6 Astra as a model for demanding work across software and business applications. Its announcement lists ChatGPT Work, Codex, and API access. Source ↗
What to compare: the workflow you want to complete, the tools available in the product, how you verify the output, and the time or cost to finish.
New on September 22: GPT-6 Sol and Luna offer different price and capability levels beneath Astra. OpenAI says they are in ChatGPT Work, Codex, and its API, with a gradual rollout and no standard Chat access at launch.
Read the Astra brief ↗Claude
Hosted model familyCapabilities and access are separate
Anthropic’s Fable 5.1 and Mythos 5.1 share an underlying model, with different safeguards. Fable is generally available; Mythos uses trusted access programs. Source ↗
What to compare: whether you need chat, a coding workflow, or an API integration. Check the exact product and access tier, then test it on a representative piece of work.
New on September 22: Claude Opus 5.5 is Anthropic's updated Opus choice for coding and longer agent tasks. It is available to paid Claude users and through its API.
Read the earlier Claude brief ↗Gemini
Hosted model familyA family inside a wider ecosystem
Google’s Gemini 3.8 announcement covers Flash and a gated Flash Cyber variant. Availability differs across developer tools, enterprise products, and consumer subscriptions. Source ↗
What to compare: the input types you work with, integrations you need, and the model actually offered in your chosen app. A family name alone does not describe a complete setup.
Read the Gemini brief ↗Selected families, not an exhaustive catalog. Reviewed September 22, 2026. Availability can change; use the linked announcements as starting points.