Product Launchgpt 5.2model routingopenaicost optimization
OpenAI Sets GPT-5.2 Instant As Default
7.0
OpenAI removed the automatic model router for free and ChatGPT Go users on Dec. 11, 2025, making GPT-5.2 Instant the default and leaving the Thinking model available only by manual selection. The change, announced in ChatGPT release notes, follows a rise in free-user adoption of the Thinking model that increased compute costs and wait times. Plus and Pro users retain automatic routing.
Key Points
- 1Directs free and Go users to GPT-5.2 Instant by default; router removal effective Dec 11, 2025
- 2Reduces compute and wait times after free users' Thinking usage rose from <1% to 7%
- 3Requires manual selection for advanced reasoning; Plus and Pro retain automatic routing for priority users
Scoring Rationale
Official product change with clear operational and user-impact benefits, limited novelty beyond cost and routing policy adjustments.
Sources
Public references used for this report.
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