OpenAI is addressing a common frustration for many ChatGPT users with its latest update. Since the introduction of GPT-5 and its advanced reasoning-focused counterpart, GPT-5 Thinking, many individuals have reported that the chatbot can take an unusually long time to answer even simple questions. Previously, users were reliant on an automatic switcher that determined when the AI chatbot would engage its reasoning mode versus providing instant responses. This new update grants users greater direct control over the “thinking time” ChatGPT takes before formulating its reply.
ChatGPT Gains a Thinking Duration Control
In a recent announcement on X (formerly Twitter), OpenAI officially unveiled this new capability. The company emphasized that this update stems directly from extensive user feedback regarding the lack of control over ChatGPT’s response generation time.
We’ve heard your feedback that GPT-5 Thinking can sometimes take longer than you’d like. Now Plus, Pro, and Business users can set the pace to match the moment.
Select GPT-5 with Thinking in ChatGPT on web to toggle thinking time in the message composer.
– Plus, Pro, Business… pic.twitter.com/esiks4jy8k
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) September 17, 2025
OpenAI’s solution is a new toggle for the GPT-5 Thinking model. When users select this model, a “Thinking” option will appear beneath the prompt bar. This option offers four distinct modes: Light, Standard, Extended, and Heavy. “Light” delivers the quickest responses, while “Heavy” allows for the longest processing time, enabling more in-depth thought.
However, there are some current limitations to this feature. It is not available to free-tier users or those on the ChatGPT Go subscription, as these tiers do not have access to the GPT-5 Thinking model. ChatGPT Plus and Business subscribers can access Standard and Extended modes, but only Pro users have the full suite, including Light and Heavy. Furthermore, the feature is currently exclusive to the web interface and has not yet rolled out to desktop or mobile applications.
OpenAI has been actively working to enhance its chatbot’s functionality. Earlier this week, CEO Sam Altman announced that ChatGPT’s personalization page was being updated to consolidate various settings into a single, streamlined interface. This redesigned page will include options for personality configuration, custom instructions, and memory management, and is expected to be fully available globally soon.