- OpenAI has introduced its new GPT‑5.1 model and made it the default option for ChatGPT
- ChatGPT includes faster and deeper instant thinking variations of GPT-5.1, and applies 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 in the middle of a conversation.
OpenAI has introduced the long-awaited GPT-5.1 AI model, bringing the “Snapshot” and “Thinking” variations to ChatGPT as the new default for paying subscribers.
After the controversial release of GPT-5 earlier this year, the focus this time 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 seeks to encourage people to think of the AI chatbot as more than just a talking search bar. GPT-5.1 Instant will be the model most people will use by default, but OpenAI stressed that speed will not detract from a warmer effect and stricter compliance with user instructions.
Meanwhile, GPT-5.1 Thinking retains its more deliberative style for complex tasks, but has gotten better at distinguishing between when you need to take your time and when to speed up. Together, they are a response to user complaints that GPT-5 was difficult to interact with.
And while the Instant model is the ideal choice for answering queries, ChatGPT applies adaptive reasoning to its responses. So if a question is complicated or ambiguous, it will take a little longer before answering, something the faster version of GPT-5 couldn’t do.
From the other direction, the GPT-5.1 thinking model reworks the GPT-5 approach to better avoid jargon and be more transparent in the steps required to respond to prompts.
Personal personality
Beyond the models themselves, OpenAI is implementing a significantly refined pitch control system. While ChatGPT first added personality changes a few months ago, they are now easier to use and can be adjusted in real time.
Depending on how you want ChatGPT to respond, you can choose between tones and styles beyond the existing friendly and efficient options to make the AI act cynical, nerdy, sincere or quirky.
All of these options change the voice and delivery, and they do so immediately in 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 verbosity in the middle of an ongoing exchange, and the model will adjust instantly.
OpenAI also clearly remembers the outrage of many users when GPT-5 appeared and GPT-4o disappeared. Many users said it felt robotic and forgot previous answers too quickly and wanted their old model back. The response seemed to take 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, and legacy models will be available in a dropdown menu for direct comparison.
The gradual rollout is partly due to server load, but it’s also a sign that OpenAI is listening. OpenAI also promises continuous updates until the GPT-5.1 generation, rather than waiting for a GPT-6. That iterative, responsive development cycle is a smart move for a product that people use every day, not just when they want to experiment.
Ultimately, GPT-5.1 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it arguably smoothes the ride. By focusing the update on making ChatGPT clearer, with variable speed and custom tone, OpenAI avoids going too fast for users connected to existing models while setting up more comprehensive updates for the future.
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