Key Highlights:
- OpenAI has rolled out two GPT-5.1 models, “Instant” and “Thinking,” offering faster replies and deeper reasoning.
- The update also adds six new personality presets with improved tone control and fine-tuning options.
- OpenAI promises more human-like, less robotic responses for ChatGPT users across paid and enterprise plans.
OpenAI’s overhyped GPT-5 received a lukewarm reception from users when it was launched back in August. Following up on release, Sam Altman admitted about some issues with the AI model. The backlash was so intense that the company decided to bring back GPT-4o. The same model was pulled by OpenAI amid GPT-5 release. Now, you have two more, starting today.
GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking
Today, the company announced two different models under GPT-5.1. The first one is called GPT-5.1 Instant, and the other one is called GPT-5.1 Thinking. According to the company, both models bring a balance of intelligence with personality.
While GPT-5.1 Instant focuses on responsiveness and warmth, GPT-5 Thinking takes care of complex reasoning tasks with improved accuracy and clarity. OpenAI says that, in early tests, GPT-5.1 was playful yet precise. More importantly, it is capable of handling detailed questions without losing its natural tone.
On the other hand, GPT-5.1 Thinking adapts its reasoning time given how difficult the prompt is. In other words, you will get faster replies for simple queries, and complex prompts will make GPT-5.1 Thinking take a bit more time for deeper and slower analysis.
Also read: Top 5 AI Prompts to Try on GPT-5 and Grok-4 for Stunning Results
The new models offer better performance
If you are looking to get some help in math and coding, GPT-5.1 Thinking is your way to go. In benchmarks like AIM 2025 and Codeforces, GPT-5.1 Thinking has pulled in some amazing results in accuracy.
Another improvement you will find is how ChatGPT communicates with you. The model now provides results that are not filled with jargon and a robotic feel. So, if you are someone who relies on ChatGPT for research, education, or work-related purposes, there are some pretty good improvements coming to the table with GPT-5.1.
Customization and personality upgrades
Customization is also getting a serious upgrade with the roll out GPT-5.1. When OpenAI launched GPT-5GPT - better performance, one of the biggest user complaints was about meaningful personalization. Well, GPT-5.1 directly addresses that and offers different tone presets and experimental fine-tuning controls.
OpenAI says that you can now choose from six different personality presets, namely Default, Friendly, Efficient, Professional, Candid, and Quirky. Previously, you had Clinical and Nerdy personalities, which still remain available. In short, OpenAI is trying to make ChatGPT sound more like you and not a universal voice.
Besides all that, OpenAI is also testing a new personalization layer that you to adjust ChatGPT’s characteristics while you talk, right from the settings. You can make changes to conciseness, warmth, and emoji-friendliness even while chatting. If ChatGPT detects that you prefer a particular tone, it can proactively offer to update its style in real time.
Also read: GPT-5 vs Grok-4: Head-to-Head Benchmark Results You Can Trust
The new models are rolling out to paid users
OpenAI’s latest GPT-5.1 models are now rolling out to paid users. That includes Pro, Plus, Go, Business, and Enterprise plans. Free plan and logged-out users will start getting access to the new GPT-5.1 models in the coming days. Meanwhile, Enterprise and Education customers get early access via a seven-day rollout.
Not to forget, Instant and Thinking models will also be added to the API later this week as gpt-5.1-chat-latest and gpt-5.1. The GPT-5.1 models will stay available in the legacy dropdown for three months so you can compare performance before they retire.
All that said, it’s safe to say that OpenAI is taking users’ feedback seriously. At least, that’s what the above features and changes are indicating. If you are someone who felt GPT-5 was underwhelming and overhyped by Sam Altman, this update is for you.
