Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported this Microsoft was replacing some of OpenAI’s software with its own in-house models in an effort to cut costs. The outlet reported that the in-house models, known as MAI, are being used to power apps like Word and Excel.
The story raises a common question about two companies that once seemed inseparable, and have recently parted ways. mixed signals About their situation: Were the two companies going apart?
Now, OpenAI is attempting to quell any signs of such a break. during OpenAI’s GPT 5.6 launched On Thursday, the company announced it would become the “preferred model” powering Microsoft’s 365 CoPilot.
Noted in OpenAI a blog post Published Thursday, GPT 5.6 will support Microsoft users of the company’s 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’re excited to continue building on that shared commitment,” OpenAI wrote in a blog post.
What exactly being the “preferred model” means isn’t entirely clear, except that OpenAI’s software will continue to power Microsoft’s apps.
That said, it was never reported that ChatGPT’s software would stop powering Microsoft’s apps – only that Microsoft was increasingly relying on its own software in an effort to reduce costs. The new “preferred model” disclosure doesn’t appear to negate that previous reporting.
