Microsoft is reportedly in the process of creating a new feature for its Copilot tool, potentially incorporating OpenAI’s anticipated GPT-5 AI model. According to sources, the updated Copilot will introduce a “Smart” mode, allowing the system to intelligently determine when to engage in reasoning for a query and when to provide quicker responses. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has indicated that GPT-5 will merge the capabilities of the existing GPT-series and its reasoning-oriented o-series models. At this time, this new feature is not accessible to users.
Copilot Could Soon Get a Smart Mode
As AI companies continue to roll out various models tailored to specific applications—such as reasoning, vision, web search, and coding—it has become common for chatbots to feature model switchers. This functionality, often represented as a dropdown menu within the chatbot interface, permits users to select a large language model (LLM) that suits their needs.
However, the growing number of options in this dropdown has made it increasingly challenging for users to navigate and select the appropriate AI model. In a February discussion regarding the future of GPT-5, Altman stated, “We hate the model picker as much as you do and want to return to magic unified intelligence,” emphasizing his desire for a seamless user experience with AI technology.
Microsoft’s Copilot, which leverages OpenAI’s models, is reportedly adopting a similar approach to ease user decision-making. A report from TestingCatalog suggests that the tech giant is planning to implement a Smart mode in its chatbot to reduce confusion around selecting AI models.
BREAKING 🚨: Microsoft is preparing Copilot for GPT-5 release with a new Smart Mode!
“Smart Mode uses GPT-5 to think quickly or deeply”
Was GPT-5 release delayed b/c of that? 👀 pic.twitter.com/xSXeHKBh24
— TestingCatalog News 🗞 (@testingcatalog) July 24, 2025
The publication claims to have uncovered references to this Smart mode in the code for Copilot. While it is not currently viable for general use, including for beta testers, TestingCatalog managed to activate the feature. A video shared by the site reveals that Smart mode appears in the dropdown list within Copilot’s text interface, joining other existing options such as Quick Response, Think Deeper, and Deep Research.
According to the report, the feature is designed to “use GPT-5 to think quickly or deeply,” aligning with what Altman has previously outlined about the new generation model. Although the feature has yet to be fully operational, anticipation grows that Microsoft will unveil it alongside the release of the successor to GPT-4.
In another report, it has been suggested that OpenAI might launch GPT-5 in August, likely in the first half of the month. The forthcoming LLM is expected to come equipped with advanced reasoning skills, alongside access to all its tools, including Canvas, Web Search, Deep Research, and others. Furthermore, GPT-5 is anticipated to include both mini and nano versions.
