Model routing may reduce AI costs for companies

Companies are increasingly using model routing to control AI spending by matching each task to the most suitable model instead of defaulting to the most expensive one. The shift comes as many enterprises have seen AI bills rise faster than expected. Cheaper models can handle routine work, while frontier models are reserved for more complex tasks. The trend could pressure OpenAI and Anthropic, whose business expectations depend on sustained demand at premium prices. Analysts and executives say the market may move toward more efficient usage rather than blanket use of toptier models.