OpenAI says GPT 5.6 is the ‘preferred model’ for Microsoft Copilot amid breakup chatter
OpenAI has designated its new GPT 5.6 model as the 'preferred' choice for Microsoft 365 Copilot, aiming to dispel rumors of a rift between the two companies. While Microsoft is increasingly using its own in-house models to reduce costs, this announcement confirms that OpenAI's software remains a central component of Microsoft's productivity suite.
Why it matters
The clarification helps stabilize market perceptions of the critical partnership between two of the world's most influential AI companies.
Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported that Microsoft was replacing some of OpenAI’s software with its own in-house models in an effort to cut costs. Those in-house models, known as MAI, were increasingly being used to power apps like Word and Excel, the outlet noted.
The story raised an increasingly common question about the two companies, which were once seemingly inseparable, and have recently sent mixed signals about the status of their situationship: Were the two companies drifting apart?
Now, OpenAI is attempting to put any insinuations of such a break to rest. During OpenAI’s launch of GPT 5.6 on Thursday, the company announced that it would become the “preferred model” powering Microsoft’s 365 Copilot.
OpenAI noted in a blog post published Thursday that GPT 5.6 would support Microsoft users across the company’s suite of productivity apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Cowork.
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