- OpenAI has unveiled its new GPT-5.1 model and made it the default for ChatGPT
- ChatGPT includes a faster Instant and deeper Thinking variants of GPT-5.1 and uses adaptive reasoning to decide when to use each
- ChatGPT has also added personality controls that allow users to adjust the manner and style of the AI’s response, even mid-conversation
OpenAI has introduced the long-awaited GPT-5.1 AI model, incorporating both the ‘Instant’ and ‘Thinking’ variations of ChatGPT as the new standard for paying subscribers.
After the controversial release of GPT-5 earlier this year, the focus this time around seems to be on responsiveness, clarity and flexibility when it comes to how AI mimics human personalities.
GPT-5.1’s approach to improving ChatGPT seems to encourage people to think of AI chatbot as more than just a talking search bar. GPT-5.1 Instant will be the model most use by default, but OpenAI made a point to say that the speed will not detract from a warmer impact and stricter adherence to instructions from users.
GPT-5.1 Thinking, meanwhile, retains its more deliberative approach to complex tasks, but has gotten better at distinguishing when to take its time and when to accelerate. Together, they are a response to complaints from users that GPT-5 was difficult to engage with.
And while the Instant model is the right choice for answering queries, ChatGPT applies adaptive reasoning to its responses. So if a question is difficult or ambiguous, it will take a little more time to answer, something the faster version of GPT-5 could not do.
Coming from the other direction, the GPT-5.1 Thinking model reworks GPT-5’s approach to better avoid jargon and be more transparent in the steps it takes to respond to prompts.
Personal personality
In addition to the models themselves, OpenAI is rolling out a significantly refined tone control system. While ChatGPT first added personality switches a few months ago, they are now easier to use and can be adjusted in real time.
Depending on how you want ChatGPT to react, you can choose from tones and styles in addition to the existing friendly and efficient options to make the AI act cynical, geeky, honest or whimsical.
All of these options change voice and delivery, and do so instantly across all conversations. Previously, users had to start a new chat for tone changes to take effect. With GPT-5.1, you can update tone, emoji frequency or wording in the middle of an ongoing exchange and the model will instantly adjust.
OpenAI also clearly remembers the outrage of many users when GPT-5 came out and GPT-4o disappeared. Many users said it felt robotic and forgot past responses too quickly, and wanted their older model back. The response seemed to catch the company by surprise, but it appears to have learned its lesson.
GPT-5.1 will coexist with older models for at least three months, giving users time to compare versions, provide feedback and decide what works best for them. Paid users will see the models first, followed by free-tier users, with the older models available in a drop-down menu for direct comparison.
The gradual rollout is partly about server load, but it is also a sign that OpenAI is listening. OpenAI also promises continued updates through the GPT-5.1 generation instead of waiting for a GPT-6. This iterative, responsive development cycle is a smart move for a product people use daily, not just when they want to experiment.
Ultimately, GPT-5.1 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it certainly smooths the wagon ride. By centering the update on making ChatGPT clearer, with variable speed and custom tone, OpenAI avoids going too fast for users tied to existing models while setting up more comprehensive upgrades to come.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can too follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, video unboxings, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp also.
The best business laptops for all budgets
