Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported that Microsoft is replacing some of OpenAI’s software with its own models to cut costs. These internal models, known as MAI, were used to power apps such as Word and Excel, the magazine noted.
The article raised an increasingly common question about the two companies, which once seemed inseparable but have recently sent mixed signals about their status. “Are the two companies drifting apart?”
Now, OpenAI is trying to stop any hint of such interruptions. When OpenAI announced GPT 5.6 on Thursday, the company announced that it would be the “preferred model” underpinning Microsoft’s 365 Copilot.
OpenAI said in a related blog post 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 to strengthen our shared efforts,” OpenAI said in a statement.
It’s not entirely clear what “preferred model” actually means, other than that OpenAI’s software will continue to power Microsoft’s apps.
However, there have never been any reports that ChatGPT’s software would stop you from using Microsoft apps. It was simply that Microsoft was relying more on its own software to cut costs. The disclosure of a new “recommended model” does not appear to negate previous reports.
