Editorial illustration for OpenAI Launches Two New GPT-5.1 Models, Phases Out Legacy GPT-5 in Months
OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.1 Models, Retires Legacy GPT-5 Lineup
OpenAI rolls out two GPT-5.1 models this week; legacy GPT-5 stays three months
OpenAI is shaking up its generative AI lineup this week with a strategic model refresh that signals the company's ongoing commitment to rapid technological iteration. The artificial intelligence giant plans to introduce two fresh GPT-5.1 models, marking a significant update to its conversational AI platform that will impact millions of ChatGPT users worldwide.
These new models represent more than just a routine upgrade. They're part of OpenAI's calculated approach to continuously refine its language models, keeping pace with the breakneck speed of AI development.
But here's the interesting twist: the transition won't be instantaneous. Legacy GPT-5 models won't disappear overnight, giving users and developers a carefully planned three-month window to adapt to the new system.
The move suggests OpenAI is balancing idea with user experience, ensuring a smooth technological handoff that minimizes disruption. Plus, the company isn't just swapping models - it's also expanding conversational capabilities in ways that could fundamentally change how users interact with AI.
The two new models will start rolling out to ChatGPT users this week, and the old GPT-5 models will be available for three months in ChatGPT's legacy models dropdown menu before they disappear. As part of the update, OpenAI also said it would expand its personality presets for the conversational tone of the models. The total list of options now includes Default, Professional, Friendly, Candid, Quirky, Efficient, Nerdy, and Cynical, per the company's blog post.
OpenAI also said in a release that it would also debut an "experiment for new ways to fine-tune ChatGPT's style directly from settings," which some users will begin to be able to access this week. "With more than 800 million people using ChatGPT, we're well past the point of one-size-fits-all," Fidji Simo, the company's CEO of Applications, wrote in a Wednesday Substack post. While OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hyped up the announce of GPT-5 in August, the release failed the hype test.
Many ChatGPT users were left unimpressed, particularly at the incremental improvements, and expressed frustration over OpenAI's choice to make it the default model for ChatGPT. There was so much pressure that OpenAI decided it would bring back GPT-4o as an option, a day after the launch of GPT-5. Microsoft, OpenAI's strategic AI partner, has also increasingly been looking at rival models from Anthropic after GPT-5 failed to raise the bar enough.
Anthropic's models are now helping power Copilot Researcher, GitHub Copilot, Copilot Studio, and a new Office Agent that is able to produce Word and PowerPoint documents from Microsoft's own Copilot chat interface. The announcement of GPT-5.1 comes just weeks after OpenAI launched its AI-powered web browser, ChatGPT Atlas.
OpenAI's latest move signals a strategic refresh of its language model lineup. The company is introducing two new GPT-5.1 models this week, accompanied by an expanded range of personality presets that give users more nuanced conversational control.
Developers and ChatGPT users will have a three-month transition window to adapt to the changes. The legacy GPT-5 models will remain accessible during this period, allowing for a smooth migration to the updated versions.
The personality preset expansion is particularly intriguing. Users can now choose from eight distinct conversational tones: Default, Professional, Friendly, Candid, Quirky, Efficient, Nerdy, and Cynical. This suggests OpenAI is focusing not just on raw performance, but on making AI interactions feel more tailored and human-like.
While the details of the GPT-5.1 models' capabilities remain unclear, the rollout indicates OpenAI's commitment to iterative improvement. The company continues to refine its approach to conversational AI, balancing technical advancement with user experience.
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Common Questions Answered
How many personality presets will be available with the new GPT-5.1 models?
OpenAI is expanding the personality presets to a total of eight options, which include Default, Professional, Friendly, Candid, Quirky, Efficient, Nerdy, and Cynical. These new personality options will provide users with more nuanced conversational control when interacting with the ChatGPT models.
What is the transition timeline for the new GPT-5.1 models?
The two new GPT-5.1 models will start rolling out to ChatGPT users this week, with the legacy GPT-5 models remaining available in the dropdown menu for three months. This three-month window allows developers and users to smoothly adapt to the updated versions of the AI models.
What strategic approach is OpenAI taking with these model updates?
OpenAI is demonstrating its commitment to rapid technological iteration by introducing two new GPT-5.1 models that represent more than just a routine upgrade. The company is strategically refreshing its language model lineup to continuously refine and improve its conversational AI platform.