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ToolsThe story, in brief

OpenAI releases GPT-5.5 Instant, a new default model for ChatGPT

OpenAI just quietly swapped the default model millions use daily. GPT-5.5 Instant is now ChatGPT's new baseline.

Reporting by TechCrunch AI 1 min brief
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The KeyNews take

Why it matters

OpenAI is shifting the default experience for ChatGPT's mass-market user base to a newer model line, signaling a shift in their product strategy around model versioning and user tier differentiation.

The key facts

3 to know

  1. GPT-5.5 Instant replacing GPT-3.5 Instant as ChatGPT default

  2. Published May 5, 2026 via TechCrunch

  3. Default model swap affects all ChatGPT users on free/standard tier

Go to the source

TechCrunch AItechcrunch.com

Publisher excerpt: The new GPT-5.5 Instant model will replace GPT-3.5 Instant as the default model for ChatGPT
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