OpenAI has unveiled the latest evolution of its AI chatbot, GPT-5.1, promising a more intelligent and personable experience. The new update introduces a model capable of adapting to users’ communication preferences while offering “smarter” and “more conversational” responses.

CEO Sam Altman described GPT-5.1 modestly as “a nice upgrade,” yet OpenAI suggests the improvements under the hood are substantial. The new model not only enhances overall capability compared to GPT-5 but also brings a more human-like conversational tone.

What’s new in GPT-5.1

The update is available in two variants: GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking, with paid ChatGPT users gaining early access.

GPT-5.1 Instant: OpenAI’s most frequently used model has been refined to follow instructions more reliably, engage more warmly, and employ adaptive reasoning for tougher questions.

GPT-5.1 Thinking: This advanced reasoning model now optimises its thinking time depending on question complexity, produces clearer answers, and reduces unnecessary jargon.

Customisable chat styles

Users can now select from eight distinct chat personalities via the app’s personalisation settings: Default, Professional, Candid, Quirky, Friendly (formerly Listener), Efficient (formerly Robot), Nerdy, and Cynical. These options allow users to tailor interactions to suit their mood or requirements, whether seeking a professional consultant, a candid colleague, or an eccentric friend.

OpenAI has indicated that this is just the beginning, with plans to provide more granular control over ChatGPT’s tone and personality traits in future updates.

GPT-5.1 availability and pricing

GPT-5.1 is initially available only to paid subscribers, with OpenAI indicating that free users will gain access after approximately three months. The rollout does not affect other legacy models, and GPT-5 Pro will soon be updated to the GPT-5.1 framework.

The new model also addresses feedback from GPT-5’s release, which criticised the earlier version for lacking warmth. GPT-5.1 aims to combine intelligence with personality, making interactions more engaging and enjoyable.