OpenAI says GPT 5.6 is the ‘preferred model’ for Microsoft Copilot 365 amid breakup chatter
Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported that Microsoft was replacing some of OpenAI’s software with its own internal models to cut costs. Those internal models, known as MAI, were used to power apps like Word and Excel, the outlet noted.
The story raised an increasingly common question about the two companies, once seemingly inseparable and recently shipped out mixed signals about their situation: Were the two companies growing apart?
Now OpenAI is trying to put any insinuations of such a pause to rest. During OpenAI’s launch of GPT 5.6 on Thursday, the company announced that it would become the “preferred model” for Microsoft’s 365 Copilot.
OpenAI noted in a related blog post that GPT 5.6 would support Microsoft users across the company’s suite of productivity apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Cowork.
“Our partnership with Microsoft has always been about bringing the benefits of advanced AI to more individuals and organizations, and we are excited to build on that shared commitment,” OpenAI wrote.
What a “preferred model” actually means isn’t entirely clear, other than that OpenAI’s software will continue to power Microsoft’s apps.
That said, it was never reported that ChatGPT’s software would stop supporting Microsoft’s apps – only that Microsoft was increasingly relying on its own software in an effort to reduce costs. The new disclosure of the “preferred model” does not appear to undo that previous reporting.
