OpenAI Launches GPT-5.1 with Customizable Personalities, Enhanced Reasoning
SAN FRANCISCO – OpenAI today released GPT-5.1, a new iteration of its flagship AI model, introducing eight distinct personality presets and improved reasoning capabilities. The update,rolling out first to paid subscribers and then to free users,aims to provide a more versatile and tailored AI experience,but also navigates the complex challenge of simulating human-like interaction without misleading users about the model’s true nature.
The release comes amidst ongoing debate about the potential for AI to mimic human personality,and OpenAI’s approach with GPT-5.1 represents a intentional attempt to address user demand for more adaptable AI interactions. While previous models focused primarily on delivering accurate details, GPT-5.1 allows users to select from styles like “Professional,” “Friendly,” “Candid,” and “Nerdy,” altering the AI’s tone and approach without changing its underlying knowledge base. This move could broaden the appeal of ChatGPT and similar AI tools, but also raises questions about the ethical implications of increasingly realistic AI personas.
According to OpenAI, GPT-5.1 surpasses the performance of GPT-5 on technical benchmarks, including evaluations in math and coding (such as AIME 2025 and Codeforces). Two versions are being released: GPT-5.1 Instant, which utilizes “adaptive reasoning” to dynamically allocate computational resources based on prompt complexity, and GPT-5.1 Thinking, offering the same adaptive reasoning feature.
The personality presets function by modifying the instructions given to the model for each prompt,effectively simulating different communication styles. OpenAI emphasizes that the core capabilities of the model remain consistent across all settings. Both GPT-5.1 Instant (gpt-5.1-chat-latest) and GPT-5.1 Thinking (GPT-5.1) will be available through the OpenAI API later this week, with adaptive reasoning enabled.
Paid subscribers will retain access to the older GPT-5 models via a legacy models dropdown for three months. The rollout of GPT-5.1 marks a significant step in OpenAI’s efforts to refine and expand the functionality of its AI offerings, potentially setting a new standard for customizable and responsive AI interactions.
