What changed
OpenAI’s ChatGPT release notes say that on October 15, 2026, users could select Ultrafast in the model picker to use a faster service tier for GPT-6 Astra.
Why it matters
This is important because user experience often depends less on raw benchmark performance than on responsiveness. A speed tier can materially change whether a model feels suited for brainstorming, rapid iteration, or back-and-forth assistant work.
Availability and takeaway
The feature is available in ChatGPT rather than the API. The practical takeaway for creators and power users is to test whether the faster tier changes workflow enough to justify using it as the default for long sessions, especially when responsiveness is a priority over maximum depth.