# OpenAI GPT-Realtime-2 — Voice Model With GPT-5-Class Reasoning, Plus Live Translate and Whisper Streaming in the API

> OpenAI ships three new Realtime API models — a reasoning-grade voice model, live 70→13 language translation, and streaming Whisper transcription.

- Org: OpenAI
- Date: 2026-05-07
- Category: model, tool
- Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/07/openai-launches-new-voice-intelligence-features-in-its-api/
- Canonical page: https://ai-tldr.dev/releases/openai-gpt-realtime-2-may7/

Three new Realtime API models: GPT-Realtime-2 brings GPT-5-class reasoning to speech-to-speech, GPT-Realtime-Translate covers 70 input languages to 13 outputs, and GPT-Realtime-Whisper streams transcription live.

## What it is

OpenAI made the Realtime API generally available and added three new audio models. GPT-Realtime-2 is a speech-to-speech model with GPT-5-class reasoning, two new voices (Cedar and Marin), and improved tool calling. GPT-Realtime-Translate streams real-time translation across 70 input and 13 output languages. GPT-Realtime-Whisper streams transcription token-by-token as the speaker talks.

## How it works

All three run inside the same Realtime API session, which now also supports remote MCP servers, image inputs, and inbound phone calls via Session Initiation Protocol. GPT-Realtime-2 keeps the conversation moving while reasoning about the user's request rather than pausing to think; the translate model targets near-zero lag during back-and-forth speech. Pricing is by audio token for the reasoning model and per-minute for translate and Whisper.

## Why it matters

Before today, real-time voice agents had to choose between fast call-and-response or smarter offline reasoning — not both. Reasoning-in-the-loop unlocks customer service, education, events, and accessibility apps that need to understand a user, take an action, and respond inside one breath. Native SIP support means voice agents can finally pick up phones without third-party telephony glue.

## Who it's for

Voice-agent builders, contact-center teams, accessibility developers

## Try it

https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/realtime

## Links

- [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/07/openai-launches-new-voice-intelligence-features-in-its-api/)
- [Realtime API Docs](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/realtime)
- [GPT-Realtime Model Page](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/models/gpt-realtime)
- [9to5Mac Coverage](https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/07/openai-has-new-voice-models-that-reason-translate-and-transcribe-as-you-speak/)