OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.1, Teams with PhonePe to Bring ChatGPT to India
OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.1, Teams with PhonePe to Bring ChatGPT to India
OpenAI rolls out GPT-5.1 with Instant and Thinking variants and partners with PhonePe to bring ChatGPT features to India's top market.
OpenAI rolled out its GPT-5.1 upgrade, introducing two variants: GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking. The company says GPT-5.1 Instant is warmer and more conversational, while GPT-5.1 Thinking is easier to understand and more efficient for handling both simple and complex queries. It also features adaptive reasoning, allowing Instant to decide when to think before responding to tougher prompts while keeping replies quick.
Users can customize GPT-5.1 with presets like Default, Friendly, Efficient, Professional, Candid, or Quirky, or tune the model themselves to fit different tones and scenarios. OpenAI noted that GPT-5.1 Instant is the most-used option and that the upgrade aims to deliver smarter, more conversational interactions. The company has started rolling the new models out to paid users before arriving on free and logged-out experiences.
In a separate strategic move, OpenAI and PhonePe announced a collaboration to bring ChatGPT features to PhonePe’s platforms. The integration will let PhonePe users access ChatGPT through both the consumer app and the For Business app, aiding activities like travel planning and shopping. India is a key market for OpenAI, which also plans to open an office in Delhi. OpenAI’s global leadership has highlighted strong Indian adoption of AI tools, and the partnership with PhonePe underscores efforts to expand AI access at scale. PhonePe’s Rahul Chari emphasized the collaboration as a milestone for broadening AI reach across the country, while OpenAI continues to expand its presence and offerings in India alongside initiatives like ChatGPT Go, which has seen promotional access for subscribers.
As these deployments unfold, industry watchers will be watching how licensing, privacy, and local usage policies adapt to a growing AI-enabled ecosystem in India, with users hoping for a balance between powerful tools and strong safeguards.
Cover image source: OpenAI fights order in U.S. to turn over millions of ChatGPT conversations 🔗
