Microsoft Preps Copilot Smart Mode for OpenAI's GPT-5 Launch
Microsoft is reportedly preparing its Copilot AI assistant for the imminent launch of OpenAI’s GPT-5 model, with a new “Smart” mode hinting at a significant leap in AI capabilities. OpenAI is widely expected to release GPT-5 as early as August 2025, alongside smaller “mini” and “nano” versions. This strategic move by Microsoft suggests a coordinated rollout between the two partners, aiming to integrate the next-generation AI model into Copilot as soon as it becomes available.
The “Smart” mode, discovered in development versions of Microsoft’s Copilot web app, is designed to leverage GPT-5’s anticipated unified architecture. This means Copilot will be able to dynamically switch between providing quick answers and engaging in more complex, multi-step reasoning based on the user’s query. This eliminates the need for users to manually select different modes, such as “Quick Response” or “Think Deeper,” streamlining the user experience for various tasks. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has previously hinted at GPT-5’s ability to unify advanced reasoning and non-reasoning capabilities into a single, versatile system, and the “Smart” mode in Copilot appears purpose-built to exploit these strengths.
The integration of GPT-5 is expected to bring major upgrades in reasoning, memory, and multimodal input to Copilot. While GPT-4o introduced multimodal capabilities, GPT-5 is anticipated to offer even better integration across various input types like voice, images, and files, alongside text. This represents a significant step towards a more unified and seamless AI experience, a goal that OpenAI has been working towards to simplify its model and product offerings.
Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to integrating OpenAI’s latest models is crucial for maintaining Copilot’s position at the forefront of AI-powered productivity tools. Copilot has seen a continuous evolution throughout 2025, with numerous updates enhancing its functionality across Microsoft 365 applications, Windows, and Edge. Recent improvements include enhanced image generation, better handling of large files in Copilot Chat, and new memory features. Copilot Notebooks are now available in OneNote, providing an AI-powered workspace for consolidating content and generating insights. Outlook users have gained improved email refinement, enhanced summarization of long threads and attachments, and mobile meeting preparation features. In Excel, Copilot now offers formula suggestions, formatting ideas, and visualization recommendations. Word has also received updates, including contextual chat and drafting assistance that references data from the Microsoft cloud. Furthermore, Copilot has expanded its presence in the Edge browser with a new “Copilot Mode” that can consider all open tabs for more informed responses.
The anticipation surrounding GPT-5 and its integration into Microsoft Copilot underscores the rapid pace of AI development and its increasing embeddedness in everyday work and life. This move could solidify Copilot’s role as a comprehensive AI assistant, offering a more intuitive and powerful experience to users.