Keras Creator Admits Underestimating LLMs, o3 Test-Time Compute as Turning Point
Keras creator François Chollet posted on social media to reflect and admit that he underestimated the long-term importance of large language models (LLMs) from 2023 to early 2024. He explicitly stated that the breakthrough in test-time compute achieved by the o3 model in late 2024 was the key turning point that completely changed his view. He also clarified that some of his earlier judgments still hold: base LLMs will hit capability ceilings, scaling laws alone are not the only path to AGI, and he predicts LLMs will eventually be superseded by methods like symbolic learning.
Confirmed
- Chollet confirmed that he underestimated the potential of LLMs as a foundation for building fluent intelligent systems from 2023 to early 2024.
- The key turning point was the breakthrough in test-time compute by the o3 model in December 2024.
- He clarified that some of his earlier judgments still hold: base LLMs will hit capability ceilings, and scaling laws alone are not the only path to AGI.
- He believes LLMs will eventually be replaced by methods like symbolic learning.
Why it matters
As a highly influential researcher in AI, Chollet's change of view signals growing recognition of the test-time compute approach, which could influence future directions in AI system architecture.
2026-08-07 ~ 2026-08-08 · 5 related posts
- Episode 1: François Chollet: Test-Time Compute is Key as Pure Parameter Scaling Hits Limits(2026-08-02, 4 posts)
- Episode 2: Keras Creator Admits Underestimating LLMs, o3 Test-Time Compute as Turning Point(2026-08-07, 5 posts)
Primary sources
- [source] Keras Creator Admits Underestimating LLMs, Points to Test-Time Compute as Key — fchollet · 2026-08-07
- [source] Keras Creator Reassesses LLMs: Underestimated Long-Term Value, But Scaling Isn't AGI — fchollet · 2026-08-07
- François Chollet Admits Underestimating LLMs: Test-Time Compute Was the Turning Point — yacineMTB · 2026-08-07
- Keras Founder François Chollet: Future AI Will Shift from LLMs to Symbolic Learning — burny_tech · 2026-08-08
1 near-duplicate retellings: khademinori