OpenAI Gives Free Users Unlimited Text Chats, Because Apparently 1 Billion Weekly Users Wasn't Enough
OpenAI removes chat limits for all users, rolls out new models, and adds a 'Think' button - because apparently, the AI wasn't doing enough thinking already.
In a move that will surely delight procrastinators and students alike, OpenAI has announced that it is removing all limits on text-based chats for every ChatGPT user. This generous gesture comes just as the platform crossed the rather staggering milestone of 1 billion weekly users. Because if there's one thing the world needed, it's more chatbots doing our thinking for us.
The experience will be powered by the shiny new GPT-5.6 Luna model, which will replace GPT-5.5 as the default for Free and Go users. And for those moments when the simplest question just isn't complicated enough, both user tiers get a new 'Think' button, allowing them to dial up the reasoning power for those truly head-scratching queries. Of course, there will still be separate limits for files, images, voice, and image generation - because apparently, we can't have all the fun.
But wait, there's more! Plus and Pro users aren't left out. They'll get access to an upgraded GPT-5.6 Sol model, designed for quick tasks like questions, web research, advice, planning, writing, and making decisions. OpenAI claims this model will provide more compact and robust answers, which is a fancy way of saying it'll get to the point without rambling. (Note: this is a different GPT-5.6 Sol from the one used for Codex and Work, which remains unchanged - because why make things simple?)
Plus and Pro users also get a thinking slider to adjust 'how much' thought the model puts into an answer. So you can finally control exactly how much overthinking goes into solving your query, from 'barely thinking' to 'existential crisis'.
In a thrilling display of corporate self-assessment, OpenAI's internal evaluation found that factual errors were 62% less common for GPT-5.6 Luna compared to GPT-5.5-Instant, and 68% less common for GPT-5.6 Sol. So the models are getting smarter, or at least less prone to making things up.
The updated GPT-5.6 Sol is available to Plus and Pro users today, while Free and Go users will get their changes this week. But if you're holding out for unlimited text chats and that shiny new Think button, you'll have to wait until next week. Because good things come to those who wait - or at least, those who subscribe.
The Good Times
News in your inbox.
One sardonic roundup, delivered on your schedule. Free. Unsubscribe whenever your tolerance for wit runs out.
Already subscribed but we never reach your inbox? Check your spam folder and hit 'Not spam' (or 'Remove from spam') to bust us out of junk-mail purgatory. You'll be helping everyone else too.
Don't open any of our emails for a month and you'll be automatically removed from the mailing list.
Rewrite Article
Select parts to regenerate with a fresh AI pass. Translations will be updated automatically.
Generate AI Image
Creates a sardonic version of the article image using OpenAI.