OpenAI Launches ‘Warmer, More Intelligent’ GPT-5.1 for ChatGPT
▼ Summary
– OpenAI released GPT-5.1, which features a warmer, more intelligent communication style and better instruction-following capabilities.
– The update improves both the Instant model for general use and the Thinking model for advanced reasoning, with the latter being faster on simple tasks and more persistent on complex ones.
– GPT-5.1 introduces more intuitive controls for response tone, offering personality options like friendly, professional, and quirky.
– The model is initially available for paid subscribers on Pro, Plus, Go, and Business plans, with free users gaining access after the rollout.
– GPT-5 will remain available for paid subscribers for at least three months, following user backlash over its planned discontinuation.
OpenAI has released GPT-5.1, a significant upgrade to its ChatGPT platform that promises a warmer, more intelligent, and more responsive conversational experience. This new version builds on the foundation of GPT-5, which debuted just three months ago, and introduces notable enhancements to both the instant and thinking models.
The improvements focus on two main areas: communication style and overall intelligence. The widely used GPT-5.1 Instant model now delivers responses that feel less like pre-written templates and more like genuine human writing. It adopts a friendlier, more conversational tone by default, while also offering users more precise control over the personality of responses. You can now choose from styles including friendly, efficient, professional, candid, quirky, or the standard default setting.
Another key advancement for the instant model is its enhanced ability to follow specific user instructions. In demonstrations, the model correctly adhered to prompts asking for responses limited to exactly six words, addressing a common frustration users had with earlier versions.
For complex problem-solving, the GPT-5.1 Thinking model has been refined to operate more efficiently. It now responds faster on straightforward tasks and takes more time to deliberate on complicated challenges, ensuring thorough and accurate reasoning. This advanced model also incorporates the same warmer, natural tone found in the instant version.
The platform continues to feature an auto-routing system that intelligently selects the most suitable model, either Instant or Thinking, for each query. Alternatively, users can manually choose which model to use for any given prompt.
GPT-5.1 is currently being made available to paying subscribers on Pro, Plus, Go, and Business plans, with the rollout expected to complete over the coming days. Free users and those not signed into an account will gain access after this initial phase. OpenAI has confirmed that GPT-5 will remain accessible to paid customers for at least the next three months, a decision made in response to user feedback after the company initially planned a quicker retirement of older models.
In related news, Apple has integrated GPT-5 into Siri through its Apple Intelligence features starting with iOS 26. A future software update is anticipated to transition this integration to the newer GPT-5.1 model.
(Source: 9to5 Mac)
