OpenAI makes Decisions API generally available
Skipping full model generation for classification and routing can cut latency and token costs substantially, making cheap decision steps viable inside high-volume agent pipelines. Developers building triage, moderation or routing logic should evaluate it against using a small model call or self-hosted classifiers. Availability and pricing through OpenAI's standard API makes it directly comparable with lightweight alternatives like GPT-4o-mini calls.
OpenAI announced on 17 Feb 2026 (per the @OpenAIDevs announcement) that the Decisions API is now generally available. The API lets applications and agents classify text and images, evaluate inputs, and decide next steps without generating a full model response. OpenAI positions it for building faster and more cost-efficient workflows. The announcement was shared via the OpenAI Developers account on X.
Add near real-time decisions to your workflow with the Decisions API, now generally available. Build faster, more cost-efficient apps and agents that can classify text and images, evaluate inputs, and determine what happens next without generating a full model response. OpenAI Developers @OpenAIDevs Your browser does not support the video tag. 🔗 View on Twitter 🔗 View Quoted Tweet 💬 93 🔄 47 ❤️ 779 👀 52322 📊 159 ⚡
