OpenAI has released the GPT-5.5 Instant model and is integrating it into ChatGPT. This new version will replace GPT-5.3 Instant as the default neural network and will be available to all users within two days.
GPT-5.5 Instant is starting to roll out in ChatGPT.
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) May 5, 2026
It’s a big upgrade, giving you smarter, clearer, and more personalized answers in a warmer, more natural tone.
And it's also more concise, which we heard you wanted. We think you'll love chatting with it. pic.twitter.com/HSQOhjqxp7
"This is a significant update that will provide you with smarter, clearer, and more personalized responses in a friendly and natural tone," the announcement states.
Responses from GPT-5.5 Instant are now more concise and accurate, especially in fields like medicine, law, and finance. The model excels at everyday tasks such as image analysis, natural science inquiries, mathematics, and engineering.
Internal evaluations show that GPT-5.5 Instant produced 52.5% fewer incorrect answers compared to GPT-5.3 Instant, with inaccuracies in particularly complex dialogues reduced by 37.3%.
"GPT-5.5 Instant is overall a smarter model that handles everyday tasks better," the announcement adds.
The LLM autonomously determines when it makes sense to consult the internet for information.
Improvements have also been made to memory and personalization features: ChatGPT now more effectively considers context from saved data, past chats, files, and connected Gmail accounts. Users can see which data has been utilized and can update, delete, or disable it.
Personalization updates are gradually being rolled out to Plus and Pro plan users in the web version, with mobile app support to follow later.
OpenAI's Comeback
OpenAI has significantly strengthened its position in programming, an area where it has traditionally lagged behind competitors. The number of downloads for its Codex solution surged from 5 million to 86 million in just five days, surpassing downloads of Claude Code.
Downloads of Anthropic's tool dropped from 11.8 million to 7.2 million between April 27 and May 3, according to TickerTrends.
The service tracks the number of npm package downloads for the Node.js platform, not the number of unique users of applications.
In mid-April, OpenAI released a major update for Codex. The programming AI agent gained the ability to use applications on a computer: it can see the screen, click the mouse, and enter text.
A built-in browser was added to the application, allowing users to leave precise instructions for the assistant directly on the pages.
On April 30, the company launched the /goal command—similar to the Ralph Loop plugin in Claude Code. This feature enables Codex to plan and execute multi-step tasks across multiple sessions.
On May 1, Codex introduced "pets"—a sort of "Tamagotchi" that displays the activity and status of the AI agent.
Anthropic's situation is different. At the end of March and early April, Claude users began to report blocks—including for paid accounts. Reasons included connecting OpenClaw and registration from unsupported regions.
Users also reported increased token consumption, attributed to a new tokenizer and the implementation of "adaptive thinking."
As a reminder, in early April, shares of the AI startup Anthropic became the most sought-after on the secondary market, while OpenAI's shares lost appeal to buyers.