One Model Built Itself. The Other Found 500 Zero-Days. This Is Where AI Goes Next.

Author(s): Ahmed M. Abdelfattah Originally published on Towards AI. On February 5th, OpenAI and Anthropic launched their most powerful coding models within 16 minutes of each other. What they buried in the technical documentation changes everything. At 9:45 AM on February 5th, 2026, Anthropic broke a promise. One model helped debug its own training code. The other found 500 zero-day vulnerabilities in 24 hours with no instructions. They launched 16 minutes apart. Made by AuthorThe article discusses the competitive landscape between Anthropic and OpenAI, particularly focusing on their simultaneous launches of advanced coding models on February 5, 2026. It highlights the strategic implications of this launch timing, with Anthropic releasing its model fifteen minutes early to capture media attention, only to be overshadowed by OpenAI’s subsequent model. Key capabilities of both models are explored, including one that autonomously identified over 500 zero-day vulnerabilities, illustrating the potential risks and advancements in AI. The article emphasizes the rapid pace of AI development, the challenges in managing its dual-use capabilities, and the evolving nature of engineering work as companies adapt to these technologies. Read the full blog for free on Medium. Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming a sponsor. Published via Towards AI