New version OpenAI GPT-5.1 Update is a major step forward from its previous model. It’s designed to be not only “more intelligent” but also “more human and intuitive.” In this update, OpenAI focused on aspects like conversation style, instruction following, and security. GPT-5.1 comes in two variantsโInstant and Thinkingโmaking it suitable for all kinds of applications, from everyday conversations to complex reasoning tasks.
What’s NewโKey Points OpenAI GPT-5.1 Update Update
OpenAI says GPT-5.1 has two major variants:
GPT-5.1 Instant: This is the “most widely used model,” designed for everyday conversations.
GPT-5.1 Thinking: This model is for complex reasoning tasksโwhere deep understanding, analysis, and clarity are required.
Improved tone and dialogue style:
OpenAI GPT-5.1 Update states that the goal isn’t just to “provide more information,” but rather to make the model more human-like, warm, and comfortable to talk to.
For example: “warmer” dialogue, “playfulness” (some humor or informal tone), etc.
Improved instruction-following:
OpenAI GPT-5.1 Update Instant’s ability to follow instructions (such as “You must only answer in this many words,” “List if you must”) has been improved.
Thinking time/adaptive reasoning has been improved in the modelโfaster for simple questions, deeper for complex ones.
Auto-routing and model selection:
The user won’t always need to select a model. OpenAI has stated that there will be an “auto” system that will choose the Instant or Thinking model based on the type of question you ask.
Personality and Style Options
The ability to change the model’s “tone” or “style” has been enhanced to customize the conversationโsuch as “Friendly,” “Professional,” “Quirky,” etc.
Safety and Robustness Initiatives
OpenAI has updated aspects such as safety review, mental health, emotional dependency, etc. for GPT-5.1 Update.
Why this OpenAI GPT-5.1 Update?
After the previous model, GPT-5.1 (the “original” version), there was feedback from users that the model seemed too “cold” or insensitive, or that the conversation experience was not as intuitive as users expected.
Therefore, OpenAI stated, โWe clearly understood that a great AI shouldn’t just be smartโit should also be fun, intuitive, and human-like to talk to.โ
Along with this, technical capabilities (such as decision-making, better resolution of complex questions) also needed to be improved.
What will this mean for the user?
When you chat, the GPT-5.1 Instant model will provide a more natural, less robotic experience in general conversation.
If your question is complexโsuch as big data analysis, coding, or theoretical questionsโthe model’s Thinking variant won’t be slow-witted, but will instead “think” and try to provide a better answer.
You can set the model’s “speaking style” to your likingโfor example, you can put the model in “Professional” mode, or “Quirky” mode, which speaks in a more casual tone.
Giving instructions will make the model follow betterโsuch as “explain in just three points,” “explain in simple language,” etc.โand will now be more reliable. There will be Safety issues (misinformation, emotional dependency) have also been addressed, providing a more responsible user experience.
The goal of GPT-5.1 is not just to create a powerful AI, but to create a companion that brings warmth, understanding, and trustworthiness to conversations.
Users now have a more natural experience, better command-following, and the freedom to choose a personal tone or style. This update demonstrates that OpenAI is prioritizing the human experience along with technical intelligence.
