OpenAI says GPT 5.6 is ‘preferred model’ for Microsoft Copilot 365 amid breakup talk

Earlier this week, Bloomberg I mentioned that Microsoft has been replacing some OpenAI software with its own internal models in an effort to cut costs. These internal models, known as MAI, are increasingly being used to run applications like Word and Excel, the outlet noted.

The story raised an increasingly popular question about the two companies, which once seemed inseparable, recently being sent… Mixed signals On their situation: Were the two companies drifting apart?

Now, OpenAI is trying to put to rest any hints of such an outage. during OpenAI release of GPT 5.6 The company announced Thursday that it will become the “preferred model” powering Microsoft’s 365 Copilot software.

OpenAI pointed out Blog post Published Thursday that GPT 5.6 will support Microsoft users across the company’s suite of productivity applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Cowork.

“Our partnership with Microsoft has always been about bringing the benefits of advanced AI to more people and organizations, and we are excited to continue building on this shared commitment,” OpenAI wrote in a blog post.

What the “preferred model” actually means isn’t entirely clear, other than that OpenAI will continue to run Microsoft applications.

However, it was never reported that ChatGPT would stop running Microsoft applications — just that Microsoft was increasingly relying on its own software in an attempt to reduce costs. The reveal of the new “preferred model” does not seem to negate this previous report.