ChatGPT just got weird—in the best possible way. OpenAI's latest update doesn't just swap in a smarter model; it fundamentally changes how you interact with the chatbot, letting you choose whether it responds like a helpful assistant, a sarcastic cynic, or an emotionless robot. Oh, and you can change your chat bubble colors now, because apparently that matters too.
Key Points
- GPT-5 is now the default model in ChatGPT for all users
- Older models like GPT-4o and GPT-4.5 are being retired
- New “personalities” let you change ChatGPT’s tone and vibe
- Voice mode gets smarter, with more control and wider access
OpenAI just flipped the switch on GPT-5, and it’s already rolling out to users around the world. Whether you’re on the Free plan or paying for Plus, Pro, or Team, you now get GPT-5 by default whenever you open ChatGPT. It’s faster, more accurate, and part of a bigger shift in how the service works.
Let’s start with the obvious: GPT-5 replaces almost everything that came before. GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, 4.5, the “mini” versions—gone. When you open an old chat, ChatGPT quietly upgrades it to the closest GPT-5 version. For most users, that means straight GPT-5. Pro and Team users can pick between GPT-5, GPT-5 Thinking, and GPT-5 Thinking Pro—the last of which takes its time but delivers more careful, high-accuracy results.
This also means the model picker (if you have access to it) now includes fewer options, but smarter ones. OpenAI says GPT-5 combines the best of its previous models into a “smart, fast model” that adapts to your task. It’s also behind the scenes auto-switching between modes, though you can still pick manually if you’re on a paid tier.
And it’s not just under-the-hood changes. OpenAI is giving ChatGPT a bit of a personality makeover—literally. You can now choose from five built-in personalities: Default, Cynic (dry and sarcastic), Robot (cold and efficient), Listener (empathetic and mellow), and Nerd (enthusiastic and brainy). It’s a small change with big vibes. If you’ve ever wished ChatGPT would cut the fluff, or just geek out with you more, now it can.
There’s also a touch of flair: accent colors. You can customize how your messages and highlights appear, both on web and mobile. It’s minor, but it brings ChatGPT one step closer to feeling like your space, not just a tool.
Voice mode is getting its biggest upgrade yet. It now works with custom GPTs, adapts how it talks based on your instructions, and is available nearly all the time for Plus users. Free users get a few hours each day, and the old “Standard” voice experience is being phased out within the month. Worth noting: even with GPT-5 out, Voice mode is still powered by GPT-4o for now.
Taken together, these updates are less about a shiny new model and more about transforming ChatGPT into a cleaner, more unified experience. It’s faster, smarter, and more customizable—no more hopping between versions or guessing which model to use. OpenAI’s message is clear: ChatGPT is growing up, and it wants to feel less like an experiment, more like a product.