In August, OpenAI faced a wave of criticism after the launch of GPT-5 and the immediate discontinuation of its older models. Responding to the feedback, OpenAI has now unveiled what it refers to as an “upgrade” of GPT-5, aptly named GPT-5.1. This new model encapsulates the lessons learned from previous mistakes and introduces improvements in intelligence and communication styles.
OpenAI has introduced enhancements to the intelligence and communication style of ChatGPT with its new GPT-5.1 release. The update includes two new models, GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking.
GPT-5.1 Instant is described by the company as “warmer, more intelligent, and better at following your instructions” compared to the previous version. Meanwhile, the advanced reasoning model GPT-5.1 Thinking works faster on simple tasks and shows greater persistence with complex ones. It is also easier to comprehend.
The GPT-5.1 Instant model provides answers that appear more natural, as shown in examples provided by OpenAI. The model has improved at following directions and can choose to contemplate before responding to more challenging questions. The GPT-5.1 Thinking model presents as more approachable, providing more empathetic and warm responses.
For those interested, the earlier GPT-5 models will still be accessible via the legacy menu for three months.
A significant aspect of the update includes expanded personality presets for the conversational tone of the models. Users now have eight different options to choose from which determine how ChatGPT responds. These include:
1. Default
2. Professional
3. Friendly
4. Candid
5. Quirky
6. Efficient
7. Nerdy
8. Cynical
Furthermore, OpenAI is set to introduce an experimental method to finetune the style of ChatGPT. Some users will have the ability to adjust ChatGPT’s characteristics directly from the personalization settings. They can select how concise, warm, or scannable the AI’s responses are, and even decide how frequently it employs emojis.
The new models are being rolled out as of today, starting with paid users. Access will be extended to free and signed-out ChatGPT users at a later stage. In contrast to the sudden disappearance of GPT-4 in August, the older GPT-5 models will be available for three months via the ChatGPT legacy models dropdown menu.
While the option to customize ChatGPT is appreciated, the style of its responses has not been a major concern for many users. There is a wider call for OpenAI to concentrate more on minimizing hallucinations and enhancing the accuracy of ChatGPT and its models. Regardless, it appears that a sense of skepticism will persist, with users likely to continue double-checking the information provided by AI.
What is the new GPT-5.1 model by OpenAI?
The GPT-5.1 model is an upgrade of the previous GPT-5 by OpenAI. It includes improvements in intelligence and communication styles and introduces new models named GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking.
What are the new features of the GPT-5.1 model?
The GPT-5.1 model has a more “natural” communication style, follows instructions better, and can think before responding to challenging queries. There are eight personality presets for users to select, and they can also fine-tune the AI’s responses.
How long will the previous GPT-5 models be available?
The older GPT-5 models will be accessible to users for three months via the legacy menu.
