ChatGPT 5.1 is smarter, nicer, and better at actually doing what you asked

(Image credit: OpenAI)

OpenAI has unveiled its new GPT‑5.1 model and made it the default option for ChatGPT
ChatGPT includes a faster Instant and more in-depth Thinking variations of GPT-5.1, and applies adaptive reasoning to decide when to use each
ChatGPT has also added personality controls allowing users to adjust the manner and style of the AI's response, even mid-conversation

OpenAI has introduced the much-anticipated GPT-5.1 AI model, incorporating both the 'Instant' and 'Thinking' variations into ChatGPT as the new default for paying subscribers.

After the contentious release of GPT-5 earlier this year, the focus this time seems to be all about responsiveness, clarity, and flexibility when it comes to how the AI mimics human personalities.

GPT-5.1's approach to improving ChatGPT looks to encourage people to think about the AI chatbot as more than just a talking search bar. GPT‑5.1 Instant will be the model most people use by default, but OpenAI made a point of saying the speed won't detract from a warmer affect and stricter adherence to instructions from users.

GPT‑5.1 Thinking, meanwhile, retains its more deliberative style for complex tasks, but has gotten better at distinguishing between when it needs to take its time, and when to speed up. Together, they are a response to complaints by users that GPT-5 was hard to engage with.

And while the Instant model is the go-to for answering queries, ChatGPT applies adaptive reasoning to its responses. So if a question is tricky or ambiguous, it will take a little more time before responding, something the faster version of GPT-5 couldn't 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

Beyond the models themselves, OpenAI is rolling out a significantly refined tone control system. While ChatGPT first added personality toggles some months ago, they’re now easier to use and can be adjusted in real time.

Depending on how you want ChatGPT to respond, you can choose among tones and styles beyond the existing Friendly and Efficient options to make the AI act Cynical, Nerdy, Candid, or Quirky.

All of these options shift the voice and delivery, and do so immediately 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 verbosity in the middle of an ongoing exchange, and the model will instantly adjust.

OpenAI also clearly remembers the outrage from many users when GPT-5 came out and GPT-4o disappeared. Many users said it felt robotic and forgot previous answers too quickly, and wanted their older model back. The response seemed to take the company by surprise, but it seems to have learned its lesson.

GPT‑5.1 will coexist with older models for at least three months, giving users time to compare versions, offer feedback, and decide what works best for them. Paid users will see the models first, followed by free-tier users, with the legacy models available in a dropdown for direct comparison.

The gradual rollout is partly about server load, but it’s also a sign that OpenAI is listening. OpenAI is also promising continued updates through the GPT‑5.1 generation, rather than waiting for a GPT‑6. That 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 arguably smooths out the wagon ride. By centering the update on making ChatGPT clearer, with variable speed and customized tone, OpenAI avoids going too fast for users attached to existing models while setting up more comprehensive upgrades to come.

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Eric Hal Schwartz is a freelance writer for TechRadar with more than 15 years of experience covering the intersection of the world and technology. For the last five years, he served as head writer for Voicebot.ai and was on the leading edge of reporting on generative AI and large language models. He's since become an expert on the products of generative AI models, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude, Google Gemini, and every other synthetic media tool. His experience runs the gamut of media, including print, digital, broadcast, and live events. Now, he's continuing to tell the stories people want and need to hear about the rapidly evolving AI space and its impact on their lives. Eric is based in New York City.

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