OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.1, Making ChatGPT Smarter, Faster, and More 'Conversational'
OpenAI has launched GPT-5.1, an update to its large language model series, introducing two enhanced models: GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking. GPT-5.1 Instant focuses on conversational warmth and adaptive reasoning, improving math, coding benchmarks, and instruction adherence. GPT-5.1 Thinking emphasizes efficiency and clarity, dynamically adjusting processing time for complex tasks and offering less jargon-filled responses. Users can now customize AI personality and tone with preset options. The models are currently available for paid subscribers, with a phased rollout for other users and upcoming API integration.
OpenAI Releases GPT-5.1
OpenAI today announced the release of GPT-5.1, an iterative upgrade to its foundational large language model series. The update, which is now rolling out to users, features two enhanced models: GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking, focusing simultaneously on increased capability and improved conversational warmth. The company stated that the update aims to address user feedback that AI should be not only intelligent but also enjoyable to interact with, positioning the new models as "smarter, more conversational ChatGPT."
GPT-5.1 Instant Overview
GPT-5.1 Instant is described as ChatGPT's most-used model, optimized to be "warmer by default and more conversational." Key improvements include:
- Adaptive reasoning: For the first time, GPT-5.1 Instant can perform "adaptive reasoning," enabling it to assess the complexity of a question and determine whether deeper processing is required before responding.
- Performance: Demonstrating notable improvements in high-stakes reasoning evaluations, including benchmarks like AIME 2025 and Codeforces.
- Instruction following: The model has become significantly better at adhering to custom instructions and producing responses in requested formats.
GPT-5.1 Thinking Enhancements
The GPT-5.1 Thinking model focuses on efficiency and clarity, addressing advanced reasoning use cases. Key upgrades include:
- Dynamic processing: The model adapts its thinking time based on the input. It processes simple tasks nearly twice as fast, while dedicating more time to complex problems to deliver persistent and thorough answers.
- Clarity: Responses now contain "less jargon and fewer undefined terms," making the model's advanced capabilities more accessible to non-technical users.
New Customization Features
In tandem with the model upgrades, OpenAI is introducing enhanced user control over AI personality and tone. Users can choose from new preset conversational styles such as:
- Professional
- Candid
- Quirky
Additionally, experimentation is underway to allow users to tune specific characteristics, such as:
- Conciseness
- Emoji frequency
These refinements aim to make the interaction more tailored and user-friendly.
Rollout and Availability
The rollout of GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking starts today for paid subscribers (Pro, Plus, Go, Business) before expanding to free users. Enterprise and Education users will have a seven-day early-access toggle before the models become the default. An API integration for developers is planned for release later this week, broadening access to GPT-5.1's capabilities.