Microsoft adopts MAI-1 to cut costs — but GPT-5.6 is still 'preferred
openai designated gpt-5.6 as the preferred model for microsoft 365 copilot, contradicting reports that microsoft was switching to cost-saving in-house mai models.
openai announced that gpt-5.6 is the preferred model for microsoft 365 copilot, powering productivity apps like word, excel, and powerpoint. this statement directly addresses bloomberg reports that microsoft was increasingly deploying its own internal mai models to reduce dependency on openai and lower costs. although the partnership is reaffirmed, the terminology implies a shared ecosystem rather than an exclusive lock-in, signaling that microsoft is likely hedging its strategy with proprietary models.