Model Change Log, October 2026
1 of 9 AI models answered the October 2026 edition with a different model version from September 2026: DeepSeek.
Model versions, September 2026 to October 2026
| AI model | September 2026 | October 2026 | Own top pick changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | gpt-5.5-2026-04-23 | gpt-5.5-2026-04-23 | 38% of 224 |
| Claude | claude-sonnet-5 | claude-sonnet-5 | 38% of 229 |
| Gemini | gemini-3.5-flash | gemini-3.5-flash | 45% of 49 |
| Perplexity | sonar | sonar | 47% of 238 |
| DeepSeek | deepseek-v4-flash | deepseek-flash | 49% of 206 |
| Grok | grok-4.3 | grok-4.3 | 39% of 232 |
| Copilot | Read from the live product, which reports no model version | 47% of 235 | |
| Google AI | Read from the live product, which reports no model version | no comparison | |
| Google AI Mode | Read from the live product, which reports no model version | 43% of 205 | |
The model each AI model answered with in most of the edition’s categories, as stamped on every frozen answer. “Own top pick changed” is the share of categories, answered in both months, where that AI model’s own top pick is a different brand.
Where the model version changed, the AI model’s own top pick moved in 49% of categories. Where it held, the own top pick moved in 42%.
Boards that moved under a new model
DeepSeek
- 3PL companies: UPS Supply Chain Solutions to Amazon FBA / Multi-Channel Fulfillment
- code sandbox platforms: CodePen to CodeSandbox
- financial advisors: Vanguard Personal Advisor Services to Vanguard Personal Advisor
- mortgage lenders: Rocket Mortgage to UWM
- solar companies: REC Group to Tesla Powerwall 3
Every number on this page is from the October 2026 edition of the CiteHawk AI Index, computed from the frozen record with nothing written by hand. Rankings are never for sale. Browse the October 2026 edition → Read the methodology →