OpenAI Launches More Affordable ChatGPT Globally with Limited Features

OpenAI has officially launched ChatGPT Go worldwide, making its lower-cost subscription plan available in all regions where ChatGPT operates. Priced at $8 per month in the US, ChatGPT Go is positioned between the free tier and the $20-per-month ChatGPT Plus subscription, offering users a balance of affordability and enhanced features. The plan was initially introduced in India in August 2025 and gradually expanded to more than 170 countries before its global rollout.

ChatGPT Go provides access to GPT-5.2 Instant, OpenAI’s faster and more lightweight AI model. Compared with the free tier, the plan offers significantly higher usage limits, including more messages, file uploads, and image generation. While OpenAI has not published exact limits, it noted that ChatGPT Go users receive roughly ten times the allowance of free users. The subscription also features a longer context window and improved memory support, allowing the chatbot to retain and reference information across conversations more effectively.

Alongside the global launch, OpenAI confirmed that advertisements will begin appearing in the Free and ChatGPT Go tiers in the US. Ads will be clearly labeled as “Sponsored” and displayed below chatbot responses. OpenAI emphasized that advertisers cannot influence ChatGPT’s responses, user conversations will remain private, and ads will not appear alongside content related to sensitive or regulated topics. Users under 18 will also be exempt from seeing ads.

The introduction of ads is part of OpenAI’s strategy to maintain affordable access to ChatGPT as demand grows. CEO Sam Altman explained that while the decision has faced some criticism, the ad-supported model helps users access AI tools without needing higher subscription fees. OpenAI drew inspiration from Instagram’s ad formats to design how ads appear in ChatGPT. Paid users, including ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers, will continue to enjoy an ad-free experience.

Earlier trials of ChatGPT Go showed strong adoption in markets where it was introduced, and OpenAI expects usage to increase further following the global launch, providing a cost-effective option for users seeking enhanced AI capabilities without paying the highest subscription fees.