OpenAI Releases ChatGPT-5.1: A Warmer and Smarter AI That Fixes GPT-5’s Flaws

After the mixed reception of GPT-5, OpenAI has come back with a model that aims to set things right. ChatGPT-5.1 is now rolling out, and according to OpenAI, it’s “warmer, smarter, and better at following your instructions.” This update is clearly designed to address the criticisms that quickly surrounded GPT-5 after its release.

Many users felt that GPT-5 simply wasn’t as pleasant or as helpful as GPT-4o. Replies were shorter, less detailed, sometimes even cold. Despite strong improvements in complex reasoning tasks like coding, mathematics and scientific analysis, the overall experience felt like a step backward. OpenAI openly acknowledged this in its announcement on November 12, explaining that good AI should not only be intelligent, but also enjoyable to interact with — something GPT-5 failed to deliver consistently.

That’s where GPT-5.1 comes in. Instead of offering a single model, OpenAI now provides two complementary versions designed to match different ways people use ChatGPT. The first one, called GPT-5.1 Instant, focuses on speed and friendliness. It’s more conversational, naturally warm, and capable of adjusting its reasoning depth on the fly. It can quickly answer simple questions but also thinks more carefully when the request becomes complex, giving more complete and precise responses without losing its fast, responsive feel.

The second version, GPT-5.1 Thinking, is meant for users who need deeper reasoning and clearer explanations. It maintains the strong analytical skills introduced with GPT-5 but improves clarity, reduces jargon and avoids vague technical terms. OpenAI describes it as more effective, more accessible, and easier to understand — especially for complex tasks at work or when trying to break down difficult concepts.

Along with these improvements, ChatGPT also introduces three new “personalities”: Professional, which stays polite and precise; Candid, which is more direct and encouraging; and Quirky, which brings a more creative, playful tone. These new styles make interactions feel more personal and allow users to choose how they want ChatGPT to respond depending on their task or mood.

GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking are currently rolling out to paying subscribers — Plus, Pro, Go and Business — with free users expected to follow once the deployment is complete.

Overall, GPT-5.1 feels like OpenAI’s attempt to reconcile with its community. GPT-5 was powerful in many ways, but not particularly enjoyable to use. With this update, the company is trying to strike a better balance between intelligence and personality. For anyone who uses ChatGPT regularly, whether for technical work, creative tasks or everyday questions, this new version should feel more helpful, more adaptive and simply more pleasant to talk to.

Reference: https://openai.com/index/gpt-5-1/

Corentin C

Founder of ToolsLib, Designer, Web and Cybersecurity Expert.
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