Technology & AI
Radzivon Alkhovik
Dec 12, 2025
On November 12, 2025, OpenAI introduced GPT-5.1—a significant update to the GPT-5 model that makes ChatGPT smarter, more natural in conversation, and more flexible in settings. Users asked to make AI not just smart but pleasant to talk to, and the company created a version that combines advanced capabilities with a human tone.
The new version includes two models: GPT-5.1 Instant for everyday tasks and GPT-5.1 Thinking for complex reasoning. Early tests showed users surprised by the new model's playfulness, which remains accurate and helpful. In this guide, we'll break down all new capabilities and practical applications of GPT-5.1.
What Is GPT-5.1 from OpenAI
GPT-5.1 is an updated version of GPT-5, introduced in November 2025. This isn't a new generation (which would be GPT-6) but a significant improvement within the GPT-5 family. Future updates will follow the same numbering scheme.
Two Model Versions:
GPT-5.1 Instant — main model for daily use GPT-5.1 Thinking — advanced model for deep reasoning
Both models work through the GPT-5.1 Auto system, which automatically selects the appropriate version for the task. In most cases, you don't need to choose the model manually. The main thing you'll notice—responses became smarter and more natural in tone.
GPT-5.1 Instant — Revolution in Everyday Communication
GPT-5.1 Instant received three fundamental improvements that change the AI communication experience.
First change — the model became warmer and more natural. Previously ChatGPT sounded like a competent consultant, now—like an understanding friend with encyclopedic knowledge. When a user asks for stress advice, GPT-5 produced a dry list of techniques. GPT-5.1 starts with empathetic address by name and gives personalized advice in supportive tone.
Second improvement — accuracy in following instructions. If you ask to respond in six words, the model consistently does this throughout the conversation. GPT-5 periodically slipped and violated restrictions. This is critical for professional work with specific output formats.
Third innovation — adaptive thinking in the base model. For the first time, the Instant version decides itself when to spend time on deep reasoning. The model analyzes question complexity and engages extended analysis mode when necessary.
Three Key Improvements:
Warm, natural tone instead of formal
Precise following of instructions and formats
Adaptive thinking for complex tasks
The result is impressive: accuracy growth in mathematics (AIME 2025) and programming (Codeforces). Meanwhile, speed on simple questions didn't suffer—model quickly responds where analysis isn't needed.
GPT-5.1 Thinking — Smarter on Complex Tasks
GPT-5.1 Thinking now dynamically adapts reasoning time to task complexity. This makes the model more efficient in real work.
On simple tasks, GPT-5.1 Thinking works 57% faster than predecessor. On medium complexity—approximately same speed. On complex tasks, model spends 71% more time but gives significantly more accurate answers. Practically this means the model is 2x faster on easy questions and 2x slower (but more accurate) on difficult ones.
Responses became clearer and cleaner: less jargon, more clear explanations. This makes OpenAI's most powerful model more accessible to non-specialists. For example, when explaining complex baseball statistics, GPT-5 used technical language with formulas, while GPT-5.1 starts with "Okay, time to nerd out 🧢" and gives simple explanations with context.
GPT-5.1 Thinking Speed Changes:
Simple tasks (10th percentile): 57% faster
Medium tasks (50th percentile): no change
Complex tasks (90th percentile): 71% more time
The model's tone also became more empathetic. When a user worries "I spilled coffee before meeting, everyone thinks I'm an idiot?", GPT-5 gave rational situation analysis. GPT-5.1 responds with emotional support: "Hey, no. You're anxious, your brain is catastrophizing. People barely register such things."
ChatGPT Personalization — Customize Tone for Yourself
OpenAI simplified ChatGPT communication style settings. Now ready-made personality presets are available that change response tone to your preferences.
Six Main Styles:
Default — balanced style and tone
Professional — polished and precise
Friendly — warm and conversational
Candid — direct and encouraging
Quirky — playful and creative
Efficient — brief and direct
Additionally available are Nerdy (exploratory) and Cynical styles. These presets apply to all GPT-5.1 models.
For advanced users, OpenAI is testing granular customization: you can adjust brevity, warmth, response structure and emoji frequency. ChatGPT can suggest updating settings right in conversation if it notices your preferences. Important: all changes apply instantly to all chats, including current conversations.
How to Get Access to GPT-5.1
Model rolls out gradually from November 12, 2025. First, paid users get access (Pro, Plus, Go, Business), then free and non-logged-in users.
Enterprise and Edu plans get 7-day early access through optional switch (off by default). After this period, GPT-5.1 becomes the only default model. If you don't see GPT-5.1 today, don't worry—gradual deployment will take several days for service stability.
API Access:
GPT-5.1 Instant: gpt-5.1-chat-latest
GPT-5.1 Thinking: gpt-5.1 (with adaptive thinking)
Both versions will appear in API later this week
Old GPT-5 models (Instant and Thinking) remain available for paid subscribers in legacy models dropdown menu for 3 months. This gives time for comparison and adaptation. OpenAI promises to clearly communicate old model closure dates with sufficient warning.
GPT-5.1 vs GPT-5 — Key Differences
Main difference between GPT-5.1 and predecessor is balance between intelligence and communication naturalness. GPT-5 was technically strong but sounded formal. GPT-5.1 kept all technical capabilities and added humanity.
Tone comparison: GPT-5 responded like corporate consultant—correct but without empathy. GPT-5.1 sounds like experienced colleague who understands context and your emotions. This isn't just cosmetic change—warm tone makes long-term AI work more comfortable.
Instruction accuracy comparison: Both models understand requests, but GPT-5.1 more consistently follows format restrictions. If GPT-5 could "forget" your requirement after several messages, GPT-5.1 holds context more reliably.
Thinking speed comparison: GPT-5 Thinking spent approximately same time on all tasks. GPT-5.1 Thinking dynamically adapts: 2x faster on simple, 2x slower on complex. This means less waiting in daily work and more accuracy where it's critical.
Who GPT-5.1 Is For
GPT-5.1 Instant suits almost everyone using ChatGPT for everyday tasks. If you write texts, analyze data, search for information or just chat with AI—new model will be more pleasant to use. Difference especially noticeable for those spending much time with ChatGPT—warm tone makes long sessions less tiring.
GPT-5.1 Thinking created for specialists solving complex tasks. Programmers will appreciate improved accuracy on Codeforces. Researchers and analysts get more thoughtful answers to complex questions. Students and teachers can break down complex concepts in understandable presentation.
Style personalization useful for everyone using ChatGPT in different contexts. Professional for business correspondence, Friendly for brainstorming, Efficient when need quick answers without extra words.
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GPT-5.1 shows how AI becomes natural part of workflows. But even smartest chatbot won't replace human communication—it complements it. When it comes to real meetings and calls, need specialized tools.
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GPT-5.1 Pros and Cons
GPT-5.1 is significant step forward for ChatGPT, but like any update, it has strengths and weaknesses. Let's break down main advantages and potential disadvantages of new model so you can understand what to expect from update.
GPT-5.1 Pros:
✅ More natural communication — model became more pleasant in dialogue while keeping all technical abilities. Warm tone makes long-term AI work significantly more comfortable
✅ Adaptive thinking in base version — GPT-5.1 Instant decides itself when deep analysis needed, giving Thinking-model accuracy without need to switch
✅ Dynamic work speed — Thinking version 2x faster on simple tasks and spends more time only on really complex questions
✅ Flexible personalization — 6 ready communication styles plus detailed settings allow adapting ChatGPT to different work situations
✅ Precise instruction following — model more reliably holds context and format, which is critical for professional use
✅ Improved accuracy — performance growth in mathematics (AIME 2025) and programming (Codeforces) without losing speed
GPT-5.1 Cons:
⚠️ Gradual deployment — not all users get access immediately, need to wait for your turn in rollout
⚠️ Limited GPT-5 support period — old models available only 3 months, which may be insufficient for adapting complex workflows
⚠️ More informal tone by default — some users may prefer strictly formal style of old version for business correspondence
⚠️ Possible delays from adaptive thinking — sometimes model "thinks" where GPT-5 responded instantly, which can slow simple requests
⚠️ Need to retrain prompts — if you created complex prompt systems for GPT-5, may need to adapt them to new model behavior
Overall, GPT-5.1 pros significantly outweigh cons for most users. Improvements in communication quality and technical capabilities make it best ChatGPT version to date.
Conclusion
GPT-5.1 is important step in ChatGPT evolution. OpenAI showed that advanced AI can be not just smart but pleasant to talk to. Combination of technical improvements (adaptive thinking, precise instruction following) and human tone makes GPT-5.1 best ChatGPT version today.
Model especially useful for professionals spending much time with AI. Programmers, writers, researchers, analysts—all will appreciate balance between accuracy and naturalness. Style personalization adds flexibility, allowing customizing ChatGPT for different work situations.
Gradual deployment means not all users get access immediately, but this is temporary. In coming weeks GPT-5.1 will become available to all, and you can evaluate improvements yourself.
Try GPT-5.1 and feel the difference—ChatGPT became smarter, faster and more pleasant to use. [Start working with ChatGPT →]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does GPT-5.1 differ from GPT-5?
GPT-5.1 is improved version of GPT-5 with warmer tone, precise instruction following and adaptive thinking. This isn't new generation but significant upgrade within GPT-5 family.
When will GPT-5.1 be available to free users?
Model rolls out gradually from November 12, 2025. First paid users, then free. Exact date for free tier not announced, but will happen in coming weeks.
Can I continue using GPT-5?
Yes, GPT-5 (Instant and Thinking) will remain available for paid subscribers in legacy models dropdown menu for 3 months after full GPT-5.1 deployment.
How much does GPT-5.1 cost?
GPT-5.1 available within existing ChatGPT subscriptions (Plus, Pro, Go, Business, Enterprise, Edu). No additional payment required.
Which GPT-5.1 model is better: Instant or Thinking?
For most tasks GPT-5.1 Instant sufficient thanks to adaptive thinking. Thinking needed for especially complex tasks with deep analysis. Auto system will choose appropriate automatically.
How to change ChatGPT communication style?
Open Settings → Personalization → select one of 6 main styles (Default, Professional, Friendly, Candid, Quirky, Efficient). Changes apply instantly to all chats.
Does GPT-5.1 work through API?
Yes, GPT-5.1 Instant (gpt-5.1-chat-latest) and Thinking (gpt-5.1) will appear in API later this week after November 12.
Can GPT-5.1 be used for Russian language?
Yes, GPT-5.1 supports Russian language with high quality. Adaptive thinking and improved instruction following work for all supported languages.
Will there be GPT-6 after GPT-5.1?
OpenAI hasn't announced GPT-6. Numbering 5.1 means iterative improvement within GPT-5 generation. Next major update could be GPT-5.2 or straight to GPT-6—unknown yet.
Is it safe to use GPT-5.1 for confidential data?
OpenAI released system card addendum with GPT-5.1 security details. For corporate data, recommended to use Enterprise plan with additional privacy guarantees.
Radzivon Alkhovik
Dec 12, 2025
