What's the difference between gpt-4o and gpt-4o-2024-08-06?

gpt-4o is an alias that re-points to whatever OpenAI currently considers the best gpt-4o snapshot. gpt-4o-2024-08-06 is a pinned dated snapshot — a specific model version frozen on Aug 6, 2024. As of late 2024/early 2025, calling gpt-4o typically routes to one of: gpt-4o-2024-05-13 (the original launch), gpt-4o-2024-08-06 (added strict structured-output mode), or gpt-4o-2024-11-20 (improved writing/instruction-following), depending on when OpenAI re-pointed the alias.

Practical implications: using the alias means OpenAI can change your underlying model at any time without your code changing — sometimes an improvement, sometimes a regression on your specific workload. Using a dated snapshot means you control when you upgrade; the snapshot stays the same until OpenAI deprecates it (typically ~12 months of availability after release). For production, pin to a dated snapshot, evaluate the new snapshot on your suite before cutting over, and keep the previous snapshot as a tested fallback.

The gpt-4o-2024-08-06 snapshot specifically introduced two important changes: strict structured-output mode (100 percent JSON schema compliance when used correctly) and reduced pricing (~50 percent cheaper than launch). If you're on a pre-Aug-2024 snapshot, you're missing both. ModelWatch tracks the alias and every dated snapshot side-by-side so you can see when the alias re-points and what behavior changed.