OpenAI has launched GPT-5.1, an upgrade to its flagship AI model, promising a “warmer,” more intelligent, and more customizable ChatGPT experience.
The update introduces two new model variants, GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking, designed to balance speed and depth.
According to OpenAI, Instant is faster and better at following instructions, while Thinking is more persistent and accurate on complex tasks. ChatGPT will now automatically choose which version to use depending on the query type.
Alongside performance improvements, OpenAI is also expanding its personality presets, allowing users to adjust the tone of their AI assistant. The new list includes Default, Professional, Friendly, Candid, Quirky, Efficient, Nerdy, and Cynical, reflecting a move toward more personalized and humanlike interactions
OpenAI CEO of Applications Fidji Simo wrote that “with more than 800 million people using ChatGPT, we’re well past the point of one-size-fits-all.” Some users will also gain early access to an experimental feature that lets them fine-tune ChatGPT’s tone directly from settings.
The new models will roll out to ChatGPT users this week, while older GPT-5 versions will remain available in the legacy dropdown for three months before being retired.
The GPT-5.1 release follows a lukewarm reception of GPT-5 back in August, when users criticized its incremental improvements and prompted OpenAI to restore GPT-4o as an alternative model. Meanwhile, Microsoft, OpenAI’s key partner, has reportedly started integrating Anthropic’s models into its Copilot suite, signaling growing competition in the AI space.
GPT-5.1 also arrives on the heels of ChatGPT Atlas, OpenAI’s new AI-powered web browser featuring an agent mode that can take actions on behalf of users, currently exclusive to ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers.
With GPT-5.1, OpenAI seems focused on making ChatGPT not just more capable, but also more human and also a little more like you. Whether that’s a good thing or not…
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