Just three months after the release of GPT-5, OpenAI has surprised the tech world by rolling out a significant update: GPT-5.1. While the previous version was a powerhouse of raw intelligence, users often found it a bit “cold” or robotic. With GPT-5.1, OpenAI is pivoting toward usability and “vibes,” promising an AI that isn’t just smarter, but also much more enjoyable to talk to.Here is everything you need to know about the new models, the new personality features, and how this update changes the AI landscape.The Two New Models: Instant vs. ThinkingThe GPT-5.1 update isn’t just a single tweak; it introduces two distinct variations of the model designed to handle different types of workflows:
GPT-5.1 Instant
This is the new default model for most conversations. OpenAI describes it as “warmer by default and more conversational.”
- What it does: It is optimized for speed and everyday tasks. It uses adaptive reasoning, meaning it can instantly assess the difficulty of a question and decide whether to answer immediately or take a moment to “think” before responding.
- The Vibe: Early testing suggests it is more playful and empathetic. For example, if you ask for stress relief tips, it might respond with a supportive, human-like intro (“I’ve got you, Ron—that’s totally normal…”) rather than a robotic list of instructions.
GPT-5.1 Thinking
This model is the heavy lifter, designed for complex reasoning, coding, and math.
- What it does: It dynamically adjusts its “thinking time.” It moves faster through simple parts of a problem and spends more time on complex logic.
- Improvements: It has been tuned to use less jargon and provide clearer, more accessible explanations for technical concepts. It is also more persistent when solving difficult multi-step problems.
8 New Personalities: Making AI Your Own
Perhaps the most user-facing change in GPT-5.1 is the massive expansion of customization. OpenAI has moved beyond the standard “helpful assistant” persona, acknowledging that one size does not fit all.
You can now choose from eight distinct personality presets: - Default: The balanced, versatile assistant.
- Professional: Formal, precise, and straight to business.
- Friendly: Warm, empathetic, and supportive (formerly “Listener”).
- Efficient: Concise and factual (formerly “Robot”).
- Candid: Direct, honest, and no-nonsense.
- Quirky: Playful, humorous, and creative.
- Nerdy: Enthusiastic about technical details and deep dives.
- Cynical: A dry, sarcastic wit for those who prefer a bit of edge.
Beyond these presets, OpenAI is rolling out granular controls that allow users to fine-tune specific characteristics, such as the conciseness of answers and the frequency of emojis.
Performance Upgrades: Better Listening, Better Coding
Under the hood, GPT-5.1 boasts significant technical improvements over its predecessor (GPT-5) and competitors like Claude and Gemini. - Instruction Following: The model is much better at adhering to strict constraints. For example, if you ask it to “respond in exactly six words,” GPT-5.1 handles it with much higher reliability than previous iterations.
- Coding and Math: The model has achieved higher scores on benchmarks like SWE-bench Verified (real-world software engineering) and AIME 2025 (math), outperforming both GPT-4o and the original GPT-5.
- Reduced Hallucinations: OpenAI claims GPT-5.1 is significantly less likely to “confabulate” or make up facts compared to GPT-4o, thanks to improved safety training and reasoning capabilities.
Availability and Rollout
If you are eager to try GPT-5.1, here is the current rollout schedule: - Paid Users (Plus, Pro, Team): The rollout begins today (November 13). You may see the new model options in your picker immediately or within the next few days.
- Free Users: OpenAI has confirmed that GPT-5.1 will eventually come to the free tier, though it will follow the paid rollout.
- Legacy Support: For those who preferred the previous version, GPT-5 will remain available in the “Legacy Models” dropdown for three months.
The Verdict
With GPT-5.1, OpenAI seems to be directly addressing user feedback that GPT-5 was too rigid. By combining the raw power of reasoning models with a “warmer” texture and robust personalization options, ChatGPT is positioning itself not just as a tool for work, but as a more natural conversational partner.
Whether you need a Cynical coding buddy or a Friendly brainstorming partner, GPT-5.1 is ready to chat.
Have you tried the new personalities yet? Let us know in the comments which one is your favorite!