ChatGPT is updating GPT-5.5 Instant, their most-used model, has been refined to better understand user intent and is improving conversational quality.
The updated model will be better at identifying the underlying goal behind users questions and carrying context across multiple turns. It will also follows complex instructions more reliably: when a request includes several constraints or requirements, responses are more likely to address all of them and clearly explain why a recommendation is a good fit. This will support users when they are making decisions, asking for advice, planning something, researching options, or shopping, and ultimately supporting their discovery and decision-making journey.
Also, the model is now more adaptive. When users refine their request, add constraints or push back on an answer, it is designed to adjust its response rather than defaulting to its initial framing.
Stronger support for shopping and local discovery
OpenAI has also enhanced performance for shopping and local business queries. ChatGPT now makes better use of location context to surface more relevant nearby options, while also combining product recommendations, business information and images in a more cohesive way where useful.
The result is a more integrated discovery experience, particularly for users comparing options or making purchase decisions.
Interface and workflow improvements
For Free and Go users, long text inputs are being reformatted into attachments once they exceed 10,000 characters. The aim is to reduce clutter in the chat interface, while still allowing users to revert content back into the text field if needed.
Users can also now control when ChatGPT requests permission before using connected apps, with options to always ask, ask before making changes, or only prompt for important changes. These preferences can be managed in settings.
Several usability updates have also been introduced across the platform:
- Chats and projects can now be pinned directly from the sidebar, with both appearing in a unified “Pinned” section
- Recents can be viewed as a single list or grouped by project for better organisation
- Conversation sharing has been simplified with a one-click flow, removing the need for a pop-up window
- Users can highlight text in responses and turn it into a draft via a new “Start writing” option, or save it to their Library
- Meanwhile, scheduled tasks have been upgraded to make reminders, recurring actions and monitoring workflows easier to manage, with improved reliability and more useful notifications.
ChatGPT is also beginning to roll out advertising for users on Free and Go plans in the UK. Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education plans will remain ad-free.
For more AI updates, click here.
