OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Pro, a $200 Monthly Subscription
Earlier today, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Pro, a $200 monthly subscription for its flagship chatbot. This release is the first of many expected during the next 12 days, as the San Francisco startup has scheduled a slew of announcements to roll out starting today.
What’s Included in ChatGPT Pro
Everything from OpenAI’s $20 monthly subscription is included at this price level, as well as significantly more access to the GPT-4o and o1 artificial intelligence models. With a ChatGPT Pro subscription, users can also use an exclusive model from OpenAI called o1 pro mode that wields more computing power to process answers.
Targeted at Power Users and Researchers
“Power users of ChatGPT, at this point, they really use it a lot, and they want more compute than $20 can buy,” said CEO Sam Altman during the video broadcast announcing the new premium tier. While the hefty price tag may be a shock to many consumers, this subscription is targeted at hyper-engaged users who desire almost unlimited access and at researchers who potentially want to experiment with using ChatGPT for more complex, intensive tasks.
Pricing and Availability
No change to the pricing of OpenAI’s other subscription plans were announced, and the free option remains available. The startup’s first subscription option for its consumer chatbot, called ChatGPT Plus, originally launched in February of last year for $20 a month, and remains that price for now. At the Plus level, users unlock most of ChatGPT’s new features and generative AI models. These subscribers are also not rate-limited as much by OpenAI as free users.
Features and Limitations
The company is targeting its new $200 monthly subscription at those using OpenAI’s generative AI model for more technical work. “People will find o1 pro mode the most useful for hard math, science, or programming problems,” said Jason Wei, an OpenAI research scientist, during the video stream. WIRED has not yet tried a ChatGPT Pro subscription out firsthand to see how it handles these types of requests, though I look forward to testing out the tool as part of helping readers better understand its strengths and limitations.
Terms of Use and Refunds
Even though subscribers to ChatGPT Pro receive what OpenAI calls “unlimited access” to the o1 model, GPT-4o model, and Advanced Voice Mode feature, the startup is clear its terms of use still apply. So, actions like sharing an account between multiple people or using the Pro plan to power your own service is not allowed and may get your account banned. Users can request a refund for the $200 subscription within the first two weeks of purchasing it if they are dissatisfied, by going through OpenAI’s online help center.
Future Releases
In addition to ChatGPT Pro, OpenAI announced that the o1 model, which focuses on “reasoning” capabilities and multi-step processing of user input, is no longer in a limited preview. According to the startup, this fully released o1 model answers questions more quickly, can now accept images as inputs, and makes fewer errors. The startup plans to add web browsing and file upload features for ChatGPT’s o1 setting in the future.
Conclusion
OpenAI’s new premium subscription, ChatGPT Pro, offers a significant amount of additional features and capabilities for power users and researchers. While the price tag may be steep for some, it provides a valuable tool for those who need more advanced AI capabilities. As the company continues to roll out new features and models, it will be interesting to see how they shape the future of AI and its applications.
FAQs
Q: What is ChatGPT Pro?
A: ChatGPT Pro is a $200 monthly subscription for OpenAI’s flagship chatbot, offering additional features and capabilities.
Q: What is included in ChatGPT Pro?
A: ChatGPT Pro includes everything from OpenAI’s $20 monthly subscription, as well as access to the GPT-4o and o1 artificial intelligence models, and the exclusive o1 pro mode.
Q: Who is ChatGPT Pro targeted at?
A: ChatGPT Pro is targeted at power users and researchers who need more advanced AI capabilities for technical work.
Q: Can I share my ChatGPT Pro account with others?
A: No, according to OpenAI’s terms of use, sharing an account between multiple people is not allowed and may get your account banned.
Q: Can I request a refund for ChatGPT Pro?
A: Yes, users can request a refund for the $200 subscription within the first two weeks of purchasing it if they are dissatisfied, by going through OpenAI’s online help center.
