OpenAI has introduced GPT 5.1, a refined upgrade designed to make ChatGPT more natural, warm, and conversational. The model comes in two versions: Instant, which delivers a friendlier and more intuitive tone while following instructions more accurately, and Thinking, which offers stronger reasoning abilities with better persistence on complex tasks while staying clearer on simple requests.
A key feature of GPT 5.1 is its expanded set of personality presets. Users can now choose from styles such as Friendly, Professional, Nerdy, Quirky, Candid, Efficient, Cynical, and a Default option. These presets allow ChatGPT to adapt to different communication preferences, emotional tones, or use cases ranging from casual conversation to business applications.
The update directly addresses earlier feedback that GPT 5 felt too cold and mechanical. By adding more warmth and personality into responses, OpenAI aims to create interactions that feel more human, empathetic, and engaging. The model now offers more precise controls for adjusting tone and behavior, including settings for warmth, brevity, and emoji usage.
For businesses and enterprise users, these customization tools offer strategic value. Companies can match specific personality presets to different tasks, such as using a friendly tone for customer support, a more formal tone for legal or documentation work, or a motivational tone for employee training and coaching.
GPT 5.1 will begin rolling out on November 13 2025 to paid users first, with wider availability to follow. The release reflects a shift in the AI industry toward not only improving intelligence and reasoning, but also enhancing the emotional quality of interactions. The goal is to make AI systems feel more like collaborative partners that communicate with clarity, personality, and emotional awareness.