AI keeps getting smarter, but after ChatGPT-5’s release, users expressed concerns about the app feeling “emotionally distant.” OpenAI took that feedback to heart and implemented changes into GPT-5.1 to make it not only smart but also enjoyable to converse with.
GPT-5.1 includes the release of “GPT-5.1 Instant” and “GPT-5.1 Thinking.” Instant is the most popular model, which OpenAI considers friendlier and more intelligent while being better at following instructions. Thinking is the AI’s advanced reasoning model, which is easier to understand, faster at responding to simple tasks, and more persistent on complex tasks.
A Closer Look at GPT-5.1 Instant
OpenAI describes GPT-5.1 Instant as warmer and more conversational. It offers some playfulness while still generating helpful responses. For example, if you ask ChatGPT for tips, rather than only listing suggestions, it can sympathize with you while offering multiple options for different lifestyles.
The AI now uses adaptive reasoning, which is new to the platform. It will decide when it needs to think before answering prompts, allowing it to give more detailed and accurate responses to complex questions.
This update also comes with better instruction following. If you ask it to only respond in a certain way, it will be better at maintaining that request throughout the whole conversation rather than losing it after a message or two.
A Closer Look at GPT-5.1 Thinking
GPT-5.1 offers more efficiency while making responses easier to understand. To achieve this, it spends more time on complex questions while quickly responding to simple inquiries. This results in clearer responses with fewer undefined terms.
Like GPT-5.1 Instant, the tone is warmer while organizing information in a way that’s easy to digest. If you ask it to explain certain statistics, it typically starts with a basic description followed by more details rather than throwing a bunch of information at you too quickly.
When you query ChatGPT, the program will determine the best model for the job and then route your question through that one. Users are already praising GPT-5.1’s adaptive thinking and new styles on social media platforms like X (@sama) and Reddit (u/SamTuthill).
GPT-5.1 is out! It's a nice upgrade.
— Sam Altman (@sama) November 12, 2025
I particularly like the improvements in instruction following, and the adaptive thinking.
The intelligence and style improvements are good too.
Customization Updates
This update makes it easier to customize the AI’s tone and style to fit how you want it to respond. Users can choose from the following styles, as shown in OpenAI’s TikTok video:
- Default
- Friendly
- Efficient
- Professional
- Candid
- Quirky
- Cynical
- Nerdy
With so many style options, it’s more convenient for users to find a tone they resonate with. When you choose one, it’s applied across all models.
OpenAI is also working on ways to further control the way AI responds. Users can finetune certain characteristics, such as making content warmer or more concise. These can be customized at any time.
Take Advantage of New Apps
New apps have been in the works to make everyday tasks easier. These include Booking.com, Canva, Zillow, Expedia, Spotify, DoorDash, Uber, TripAdvisor, Target, Instacart, and Khan Academy. As of November 13th, 2025, ChatGPT Business, Enterprise, and Edu customers can now preview all these apps.
You can use apps in ChatGPT by starting your prompt with the name of the app, such as asking Spotify to make you a playlist. The first time you use an app in ChatGPT, the program will ask you to connect, allowing you to see the data that the app needs.
What’s Next for ChatGPT?
OpenAI announced GPT-5.1 on November 12th, 2025. GPT‑5.1 Instant and Thinking began rolling out right away. Paid users get first access, and then it will roll out for free users. If you don’t see the update yet, it will gradually be rolling out over a few days, so keep an eye out for it.
This update aims to create an AI chat that fits your needs. By being smarter, more conversational, and adaptable, it’s a step in the right direction, but OpenAI will continue to improve ChatGPT in those areas.
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