Perplexity AI has integrated OpenAI's GPT-5.1 model into its Pro and Max subscription tiers, giving users immediate access to the latest advancement in conversational AI without requiring a separate ChatGPT subscription. Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas confirmed the integration on Friday, November 14, 2025, making the company one of the first third-party platforms to offer GPT-5.1 following OpenAI's official launch earlier this week.​

GPT-5.1 Brings Two Reasoning Modes

OpenAI announced GPT-5.1 on November 11, 2025, introducing two distinct operational modes designed for different use cases. GPT-5.1 Instant prioritizes speed and conversational flow, making it suitable for quick queries, brainstorming sessions, and real-time interactions. The model is described as "warmer by default and more conversational," with improved instruction-following capabilities compared to its predecessor.​

GPT-5.1 Thinking represents the advanced reasoning variant, allocating more computational time to complex problems while responding faster to simpler queries. This adaptive approach ensures thorough analysis for difficult requests without unnecessary delays on straightforward questions. The Thinking mode produces clearer responses with reduced jargon and fewer undefined technical terms, making sophisticated AI reasoning more accessible to general users.​

Integration Across Perplexity's Platform

Perplexity Pro and Max subscribers can now select GPT-5.1 from the platform's model selector, joining the existing lineup of premium AI models including Google's Gemini, Anthropic's Claude 4.5 Sonnet, and Mistral Large 2. The integration extends across all Perplexity platforms, including web, iOS, and Android applications.​

Prior to this update, Perplexity had already integrated GPT-5 Thinking for Pro and Max subscribers in October 2025 for advanced reasoning tasks. The addition of GPT-5.1 represents an incremental upgrade that brings OpenAI's latest improvements to Perplexity's multi-model architecture.​

Enhanced Customization and Performance

GPT-5.1 introduces new customization controls that allow users to adjust the AI's tone, formality, and communication style. Available presets include professional, candid, and quirky modes, with granular controls for characteristics like conciseness, emoji usage, warmth, and humor. These personalization settings now apply across all conversations immediately, including ongoing chats.​

According to OpenAI's announcement, GPT-5.1 demonstrates improved accuracy in instruction-following, better performance in code planning, and reduced hallucination rates compared to GPT-5. The model employs adaptive computation, allocating processing resources based on query complexity.​

Rollout Timeline and Availability

OpenAI began rolling out GPT-5.1 to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Go, Business, Enterprise, and Edu subscribers starting November 11, with a gradual expansion to free users over the following days. API access for GPT-5.1 Instant (as gpt-5.1-chat-latest) and GPT-5.1 Thinking launched later in the week. GitHub Copilot also announced public preview access to the full GPT-5.1 suite, including GPT-5.1-Codex variants.​

Perplexity's integration positions the platform as a competitive alternative for users seeking access to cutting-edge AI models without managing multiple subscriptions. Perplexity Pro costs $20 per month and provides up to 300 AI-powered searches daily with access to multiple premium models.​

Legacy Model Support

OpenAI confirmed that GPT-5 models (Instant, Thinking, and Pro) will remain accessible through ChatGPT's legacy models dropdown for paid subscribers for three months, allowing users time to compare performance and adapt workflows. This sunset period does not affect the availability of other legacy models.​

The company indicated that future model transitions would follow a similar pattern, providing advance notice and evaluation periods to ensure smooth adoption of new capabilities.

Discover top design tools & resources

Sources