OpenAI Unveils GPT 5.1: Enhanced AI With More Human-Like Conversations and Improved Reasoning

GPT 5.1 has been released in two distinct versions - GPT 5.1 Instant and GPT 5.1 Thinking.

OpenAI has introduced GPT 5.1, an enhanced model for ChatGPT users that delivers warmer interactions and superior reasoning capabilities. This update arrives just three months following the introduction of GPT 5.

Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, shared the news about GPT 5.1's launch on X, describing it as a "nice upgrade."

"I particularly like the improvements in instruction following and the adaptive thinking. The intelligence and style improvements are good too," he stated in his post.

GPT-5.1 is out! It's a nice upgrade. I particularly like the improvements in instruction following, and the adaptive thinking. The intelligence and style improvements are good too.

— Sam Altman (@sama) November 12, 2025

The new GPT 5.1 comes in two variants: GPT 5.1 Instant and GPT 5.1 Thinking. Instant focuses on delivering warmer, more intelligent, and natural conversations, while Thinking is designed specifically for complex reasoning tasks, offering easier and faster comprehension.

A significant highlight of this update is the new customization feature. OpenAI has simplified the process for users to personalize ChatGPT's communication style and responses. Users can now select from six preset personality styles: Default, Friendly, Efficient, Professional, Candid, or Quirky.

For users seeking greater control, ChatGPT also provides manual tuning options, allowing fine-tuning of tone, warmth, and level of detail in responses.

Another notable improvement is the enhanced instruction-following capability, meaning it now understands and responds more accurately to user queries.

"For the first time, GPT‑5.1 Instant can use adaptive reasoning to decide when to think before responding to more challenging questions, resulting in more thorough and accurate answers, while still responding quickly," OpenAI explained in their blog post.

GPT-5.1 Thinking provides clearer, more user-friendly answers. The latest model also reduces technical jargon and avoids ambiguous terms that might confuse users.

"This makes our most capable model more approachable and easily understandable, especially for complex tasks at work and explaining technical concepts," the company noted.

OpenAI's GPT‑5.1, including both Instant and Thinking variants, begins its rollout on November 13. The update will first be available to paid subscribers on Pro, Plus, Go, and Business plans. Free and logged-out users will gain access in the days following.

For Enterprise and Edu plans, a seven-day early-access toggle (disabled by default) allows these users to test the new models before general availability. After this period, GPT‑5.1 will become the default model for all users. Paid users on GPT‑5 Pro will also be upgraded to GPT‑5.1 Pro soon.