GPT-6.2 Astra spotted in early testing by Codex users

OpenAI's next model, GPT-6.2 Astra, seems to be in small-scale testing. Several Codex users spotted a new model tag called "gpt-6.2-astra" in their usage stats. In some accounts, the new model already took up to 19.8% of the calls.

Tech media TestingCatalog says this looks like a gray or A/B test, where some requests are quietly routed to the new model while the interface name stays the same. OpenAI has not confirmed the model in its official API list yet.

For context, GPT-6 Astra came out in September 2026. It scored 57.9% on Terminal-Bench 4.0, slightly above Claude Fable 5.1's 55.8%. Around the same time, similar rumors appeared about Anthropic's next model.

Some users also say GPT-6 Astra is using up their quota faster. It may be linked to the testing, and the new model's cost and token efficiency will be key things to watch.