GPT-5.5 extra high not an option in Cursor CLI

[jaquesimo]

Where does the bug appear (feature/product)?

Cursor CLI

Describe the Bug

I can’t use GPT-5.5 xhigh in cursor CLI. Only medium thinking available for some reason.

Steps to Reproduce

Open a cursor agent CLI session and try to use GPT-5.5 extra high

Expected Behavior

To be able to use the extra high variant of the 5.5 model.

Screenshots / Screen Recordings

Operating System

MacOS

Version Information

2026.04.30-4edb302

Does this stop you from using Cursor

Yes - Cursor is unusable

[mohitjain (Mohit)]

This is a known issue with how model variants are shown in the CLI. The CLI’s model picker is being updated with a new UI that lets you select thinking levels (medium, high, extra high) directly. That update isn’t available to all users yet, which is why you’re only seeing “GPT-5.5 272K Medium.”

For now, try using Auto mode in the CLI. Auto will route to a strong model configuration automatically. Alternatively, you can use GPT-5.5 with extra high thinking in the Cursor IDE (desktop app), where the full model picker with all reasoning levels is already available.

Our team is tracking this and working on rolling out the updated model picker more broadly. No ETA to share, but your report helps with prioritization.