OpenAI says GPT 5.6 is the ‘preferred model’ for Microsoft Copilot 365 amid breakup chatter

OpenAI says GPT 5.6 is the ‘preferred model’ for Microsoft Copilot 365 amid breakup chatter

At the GPT 5.6 launch, OpenAI announced the model will be the 'preferred model' for Microsoft 365 Copilot across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Cowork. This is a direct response to Bloomberg's earlier report that Microsoft is swapping some OpenAI software for its own MAI models to cut costs. The post doesn't spell out what 'preferred model' actually means. And the earlier report never said ChatGPT would stop powering Microsoft apps—just that Microsoft is leaning more on its own tech. This reads like a PR move that doesn't contradict the cost-cutting story.

Why it matters: OpenAI timed this announcement to counter breakup rumors with concrete product-line details (Word, Excel, PPT, Cowork), hitting all three HKR axes. Score stays at 82 because 'preferred model' is vague—no contract terms or exclusivity disclosed—so the real weight depends on Mic...