OpenAI has broadened free access to its latest model, GPT-5, along with more tools and features, intensifying competition in the AI space while maintaining premium options for paid users.
OpenAI has expanded free access to ChatGPT, giving users on the no-cost plan access to GPT-5 and a wider set of tools that were previously tied more closely to paid tiers. The update also adds web search, data analysis, file and image uploads, image generation and access to GPTs, alongside 500MB of library storage, according to the Arabic report on Okaz. OpenAI says GPT-5 is its most capable model yet, with improved reliability and stronger performance on maths, science, finance, law and coding.
The free tier is still capped. OpenAI said users can send a limited number of GPT-5 requests before the system automatically switches to a smaller, faster model until the allowance resets. Paid plans retain higher limits and extra features. That approach keeps the service available to a broader audience while preserving a clear distinction between free and subscription offerings, according to OpenAI’s product pages and other reporting on the rollout.
The move follows a broader push by OpenAI to make its latest model more widely available. OpenAI describes GPT-5 as more dependable and less prone to hallucinations, while Ars Technica reported that the company positioned it as a unified system intended to handle reasoning tasks, coding and sensitive requests more effectively. Search Engine Journal similarly said the model was made the default in ChatGPT for all users, including those on the free plan.
There are also signs that OpenAI is using new model releases to defend its market position. Axios reported on August 6 that the company had introduced GPT-5.6 Luna as a new default model for all users, while reserving GPT-5.6 Sol for Plus and Pro subscribers, in a move aimed at improving performance across everyday tasks such as web research, writing and planning. Taken together, the updates suggest OpenAI is broadening access while still using usage limits and premium variants to support its paid business.
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