OpenAI's new API receives context in text or image and returns a choice between predefined responses. See how to use classification, routing, and approval without delegating open decisions.
Direct answer
OpenAI announced on September 29, 2026 the Decisions API, a low-latency interface that focuses Luna model intelligence on developer-defined questions and pre-authorized finite answers. The pattern is useful for classifying content, routing requests, and choosing an agent's next move. The company remains responsible for defining options, data, thresholds, human review and handling uncertainty; structured response does not automatically make the decision correct.
Closed options reduce operational ambiguity
When the system can only choose authorized results, it becomes easier to connect the output to rules, queues, and actions. This does not eliminate the uncertain field: cases without sufficient evidence need a review or abstention option.
Class design determines quality
Overlapping, rare, or poorly defined categories produce errors even with a strong model. Create positive, negative and boundary examples and maintain a versioned glossary per process.
Low latency does not justify irreversible action
Speed favors real-time routing, but payments, blocking, health, safety and rights require commensurate controls. Separate recommendation, authorization and execution.
Assessment needs to reflect cost of error
Average accuracy can hide a critical class. Measure accuracy and coverage by category, false positives, false negatives, withdrawal, latency, and human impact.
Nexus Reading
Use the API as a bounded decision component: clear options, recorded evidence, safe fallback, and review when risk or confidence demands.
FAQ
Does the Decisions API make free decisions?
No. The developer provides specific questions and a finite set of possible answers.
Does it replace business rules?
No. Rules, authorizations, limits and exception handling continue to belong to the application.
What first case for pilot?
Low-consequence classification with labeled history, sample review, and explicit option to forward to a person.
Essential guides to delve deeper into the decision
This editorial analysis was produced by Nexus from the official sources below, consulted on October 7, 2026. The text is original and interprets practical implications for companies.
- OpenAI — DevDay 2026 Recap: Official announcement, scope, use cases, and availability of the Decisions API.
- OpenAI Developers — Models: Official documentation for comparing models, capabilities and limits in the API.
Date reported by the main source: September 29, 2026.