Key Points
- OpenAI is testing group chats in ChatGPT in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan.
- The feature allows up to twenty participants plus the AI in a single conversation.
- ChatGPT can assist with travel planning, home projects, restaurant picks, and report outlines.
- Users start groups by tapping the people icon and must set up a profile for each member.
- Group creators can manage invites, mute or remove participants; under‑18 users trigger content limits.
- Responses are driven by GPT‑5.1 Auto, which selects models based on the prompt.
- The AI has been trained to follow group flow and can be summoned by mentioning “ChatGPT.”
- OpenAI will refine the feature based on early‑user feedback before broader rollout.
Pilot Overview
OpenAI is conducting a pilot of group chats inside the ChatGPT app in four markets: Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan. The new capability mirrors group messaging apps, allowing users to start a conversation with friends, family, classmates or colleagues and to add the AI as a participant. Within the chat, ChatGPT can help plan vacations, suggest home‑renovation projects, recommend restaurants that suit all tastes, and draft outlines for reports based on shared notes.
How the Feature Works
To initiate a group, users tap the people icon in the top‑right corner of any ChatGPT screen. The app creates a fresh conversation without prior history if started from an existing chat. Participants are invited by sharing a link or adding them directly, and each must create a profile with a name, username and photo. Up to twenty people can join a single group.
The interface allows the group creator to manage membership: anyone with the link can invite others, while participants can mute or remove others, though only the creator can be removed. If any member is under 18, the system automatically applies stricter content filters for the entire group.
Technical Details and Future Plans
The group‑chat responses are powered by OpenAI’s GPT‑5.1 Auto model, which dynamically selects the most suitable model for each prompt. OpenAI trained the AI to understand group dynamics, knowing when to stay silent and when to contribute. Users can still summon the chatbot at any time by mentioning “ChatGPT.” OpenAI emphasizes that the pilot will be adjusted based on user feedback before a wider release.
Source: engadget.com