OpenAI Adds Speed Control to GPT-5 Thinking Feature
OpenAI has rolled out a new update to ChatGPT, giving Plus, Pro, and Business subscribers the ability to control GPT-5 Thinking’s response speed. The feature, announced on September 18, allows users to set “thinking time” directly from the message composer on the web.
Previously, GPT-5 Thinking often took longer to generate responses because it was built for careful reasoning. However, many users wanted more flexibility to balance depth and speed. Under the new system, subscribers can now select between Standard, Extended, Light, and Heavy modes. Standard offers a balanced pace, Extended provides more thoughtful responses, Light delivers the fastest replies for quick tasks, and Heavy focuses on deep reasoning with slower but more comprehensive outputs. Once chosen, the mode remains active until manually changed.
Expanding Developer Tools With GPT-5 Codex
Alongside this update, OpenAI introduced GPT-5 Codex, an AI model designed specifically for software developers. It assists with writing, debugging, and reviewing code, working both interactively with humans and independently on complex projects. Developers can rely on it for tasks ranging from creating full projects to adding features, fixing bugs, or checking existing code.
The model is able to handle long-term projects by testing and improving its own code over extended periods. For smaller tasks, it responds quickly without consuming unnecessary resources. This flexibility helps streamline workflows and reduces time spent on repetitive programming challenges.
Smarter Code Review and Greater Accuracy
OpenAI reports that GPT-5 Codex has been trained to carefully review code and identify critical errors before they escalate. Tests on open-source projects showed that its suggestions are more accurate and actionable than before. As a result, developers can focus on high-priority issues rather than routine checks.
Together, the new speed control options and GPT-5 Codex highlight OpenAI’s efforts to give users more tailored experiences. While subscribers gain the ability to decide how fast the AI responds, developers also receive a more powerful tool for building, testing, and improving their work. These updates demonstrate how GPT-5 continues to evolve to meet both personal and professional needs.
