San Francisco — OpenAI has introduced a significant evolution to its flagship artificial intelligence with the launch of GPT-5.1. Unveiled on Wednesday, the update introduces two distinct variations—GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking—designed to offer a more personalized, empathetic, and context-aware user experience.
The company describes the new release as a pivotal step toward a “smarter, more conversational ChatGPT.” The update bifurcates the model’s capabilities to better suit user needs: the “Instant” model is the daily workhorse, optimized for speed and warmth, while the “Thinking” model utilizes adaptive reasoning. This new architecture allows the AI to gauge the complexity of a query, deciding whether to answer immediately or take a moment to process the information for a more comprehensive result.
Enhanced Customization and Empathy
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, highlighted the user-centric improvements on X (formerly Twitter). He praised the model’s enhanced instruction-following capabilities and the introduction of “adaptive thinking.”
Perhaps the most user-facing change is the ability to define the AI’s persona. “We’ve made it easier to customize ChatGPT,” Altman wrote. Users can now select from established tone presets—including Default, Friendly, Efficient, Professional, Candid, and Quirky—or fine-tune the style manually to fit their specific communication preferences.
OpenAI demonstrated this shift in “emotional intelligence” by comparing the new model against its predecessor. In a scenario involving a stressed user, the older GPT-5 simply listed relaxation techniques. In contrast, GPT-5.1 Instant addressed the user by name and validated their recent difficulties before offering advice, displaying a level of empathy previously lacking in the software.
Even the “Thinking” model, designed for technical rigor, now employs a more casual, accessible conversational style when explaining complex concepts.
Addressed Feedback and Gradual Rollout
The rollout of GPT-5.1 has begun for paid subscribers (Pro, Plus, Go, and Business plans) and will reach free and logged-out users in the near future.
The deployment strategy reflects lessons learned from the controversial release of GPT-5. At that time, the company faced backlash from users who felt the upgrade was too abrupt, disrupting workflows and replacing models they had formed an “emotional attachment” to with colder, less friendly versions.
To avoid repeating this friction, OpenAI has adopted a more gradual approach. The company confirmed that the previous GPT-5 models (both Instant and Thinking variants) will remain accessible via the “legacy models” dropdown menu for three months. This grace period is designed to allow professionals and developers sufficient time to compare outputs and migrate their projects at their own pace.
Also Read-
Building Smart Infrastructure in Mountain Zones: Lessons from China for India
India’s $2.4 Trillion Urban Challenge: Who Pays, Who Benefits, and Why It Matters to Every Indian