AI NewsOpenAI Upgrades ChatGPT’s Default AI Model to GPT-5.5 Instant, Adds New Capabilities

OpenAI Upgrades ChatGPT’s Default AI Model to GPT-5.5 Instant, Adds New Capabilities

6:29 PM IST · May 6, 2026

OpenAI, on Tuesday, announced that it is updating the default artificial intelligence (AI) model in ChatGPT. The default model is available to everyone when they first open the website or the app, including those on the free tier. So far, this experience has been powered by the GPT-5.3 Instant, but now, the San Francisco-based AI giant is replacing it with the GPT-5.5 Instant. Some of the key improvements include more personalised responses, higher intelligence in image analysis and answering science and math questions, and a natural conversational tone.