OpenAI Adds Thinking‑Time Toggle for ChatGPT‑5 on Web for Plus and Pro Users

OpenAI has introduced a new thinking‑time toggle for the ChatGPT‑5 model that lets Plus and Pro subscribers choose how long the system spends reasoning on a response. The web‑only feature offers Standard and Extended modes for Plus users, while Pro users gain two additional options—Light for the quickest answers and Heavy for deeper reasoning. The toggle appears in the chat window when the Thinking model is selected, but it is not yet available on iOS or Android apps. OpenAI says the control will roll out to mobile in coming weeks.

Feature Overview

OpenAI unveiled a thinking‑time control for its ChatGPT‑5 model, targeting users who have upgraded to the Plus or Pro subscription tiers. The feature is designed to let subscribers decide how much processing time the model allocates to each query, balancing speed against answer depth. The default mode for Plus users is called Standard, which aims to provide a balanced mix of speed and intelligence. An alternative called Extended, previously the default for Plus users, remains available for those who prefer more thorough responses.

Pro‑Level Options

Subscribers on the Pro plan receive four options in total: the two Plus options (Standard and Extended) plus two additional modes. Light is the fastest setting, delivering snap‑quick replies while still employing the model’s reasoning capabilities. Heavy dedicates the most processing time, enabling the most detailed and comprehensive answers for complex questions. The expanded set of choices gives Pro users fine‑grained control over the trade‑off between response time and answer quality.

How to Activate the Toggle

To use the new control, a user must be logged into a Plus or Pro account on the ChatGPT web interface. At the top of the screen, the model selector displays “ChatGPT‑5.” Selecting this brings up a drop‑down menu where the “Thinking” model can be chosen. Once the Thinking model is active, a blue toggle appears in the message window, presenting the available options for that subscription level. Users can then switch between Standard, Extended, Light, or Heavy as appropriate for the task at hand.

Platform Availability

The thinking‑time toggle is currently limited to the web version of ChatGPT. The feature is not available in the iOS or Android applications, and OpenAI has indicated that mobile support will be added in the coming weeks. A statement on the OpenAI website reassures users that the control will eventually be rolled out to the apps, but no specific timeline is provided.

User Feedback and Rationale

The addition of the toggle responds to user feedback that the Thinking mode sometimes took longer than desired. OpenAI quoted user sentiment, saying, “We’ve heard from some of you that GPT‑5 Thinking’s answers can take longer than you’d like. Now you can decide what you need in the moment.” The new options aim to give users the flexibility to prioritize speed for straightforward queries or depth for more challenging prompts.

Implications

By offering granular control over processing time, OpenAI enhances the usability of its most advanced language model for a broader range of tasks. Professionals requiring quick answers can select Light or Standard, while researchers or developers needing exhaustive detail can opt for Heavy or Extended. The feature also differentiates the Plus and Pro tiers, giving subscribers tangible benefits beyond the core model access.

Overall, the thinking‑time toggle represents a significant usability improvement for ChatGPT‑5, aligning the service more closely with varied user expectations while keeping the advanced reasoning capabilities of the model intact.