OpenAI has introduced two new models, GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking, designed to transform how you work every day. With sharper instruction-following skills, they understand your prompts more accurately, so you’ll spend less time rephrasing and more time getting the results you want.

OpenAI says this update was shaped by user feedback, focusing on making the AI feel more natural and human-like in conversations — all while boosting its overall intelligence.

GPT-5.1 Instant

The new GPT-5.1 Instant model from OpenAI is better at understanding and sticking to your exact question, avoiding unnecessary tangents. It now responds with a friendlier, more natural tone — making everyday chats feel smoother and more human.

The model can now pause and “think” through complex questions before replying, giving you deeper, more thoughtful answers without slowing down your experience.

GPT-5.1 Thinking

The new model now communicates in simpler language, making it easier to use for complex work projects, and helps explain technical ideas in a way anyone can understand. In testing, GPT-5.1 Thinking completes easier tasks about twice as fast, while taking extra time on tougher ones, more accurate results overall.

Customization Options

OpenAI has refined its personality presets to better align with user behavior and communication styles. The familiar Default, Friendly (formerly Listener), and Efficient (formerly Robot) modes remain, each updated for improved consistency and tone.

New additions — Professional, Candid, and Quirky — expand the range of options available for different interaction needs.

All presets are now compatible across every model, while long-standing favorites such as Cynical (formerly Cynic) and Nerdy (formerly Nerd) continue to be accessible through the personalization menu.

OpenAI is testing new controls that allow users to fine-tune elements such as conciseness, warmth, readability, and emoji frequency directly within personalization settings.

The GPT-5.1 models also demonstrate stronger adherence to custom instructions, offering users greater precision in managing tone, behavior, and style across interactions.

Availability

OpenAI has begun rolling out GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking, starting today with access for paid subscribers. Free and logged-out users will receive access at a later stage.

Enterprise and Education customers have a seven-day early access option for GPT-5.1, which is off by default. Once this period ends, GPT-5.1 will become the standard model for all ChatGPT users.

Also Read: 6 new AI features in Google Photos You’ll Love