GPT-5 is OpenAI’s most advanced AI model to date, and it is now officially available to all users.
OpenAI has rolled out GPT 5.1 with a focus on making conversations feel more natural, following your lead more closely, and staying on track during tougher problems.
The update sits on top of this year’s GPT 5 release and adds two new ways to use the model called Instant and Thinking.
The Instant mode should be warmer, more intelligent, and better at following your instructions. Thinking, on the other hand, is positioned to be easier to understand and faster on simple tasks while staying persistent when things get complex. You can pick the mode that fits, then switch when your needs change.
Personalisation gets a clear upgrade as well, with new tools for tuning how ChatGPT sounds. You can fine-tune ChatGPT’s tone in settings so replies better match what you prefer. There are eight ready-made tone presets that you can move between, including Default, Professional, Friendly, Candid, Quirky, Efficient, Nerdy, and Cynical.
That gives you quick control over how formal or playful the conversation feels without having to prompt for it every time.
GPT 5.1 Instant and Thinking are already live for Pro, Plus, Go, and Business users, with the free tier next in line over the coming days. OpenAI also says GPT 5.1 is set to become the default model for all interactions, so once it reaches your account, you will notice the new behaviour without needing to hunt through menus.
Overall, the update gives you more say in how ChatGPT talks and thinks, and you can change that setup whenever you like. If you want quick answers that stick closely to your instructions, Instant is the better fit. When you are working through a longer or trickier task, switching to Thinking lets it stay with you step by step.
Layer on a tone preset that matches your style, and you end up with a chat experience that seems more personal while keeping the core strengths intact.
