Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported that Microsoft was replacing some of OpenAI’s software with its own internal models to cut costs. The in-house model, known as MAI, was used to power apps like Word and Excel, the outlet noted.
The story has raised increasingly common questions about two companies that once seemed inseparable but have recently sent mixed signals about their situation. Are the two companies drifting apart?
Now OpenAI is trying to quash any hints of such a disruption. OpenAI released GPT 5.6 on Thursday, announcing that this version would be the “preferred model” to support Microsoft’s 365 Copilot.
In a related blog post, OpenAI noted that GPT 5.6 will 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 continue building on this shared commitment,” OpenAI said.
What “preferred model” actually means isn’t entirely clear, other than that OpenAI’s software will continue to support Microsoft’s apps.
That said, there have never been any reports that ChatGPT’s software will stop supporting Microsoft apps. It’s just that Microsoft is relying more and more on its own software to cut costs. The new “preferred model” disclosure does not appear to contradict previous reports.
