OpenAI Removes Chat Limits for Free ChatGPT Users

OpenAI announced that starting August 10, free and Go users of ChatGPT will no longer face message limits in pure text chats. However, features like image generation, file uploads, and voice mode still have separate usage caps, so requests involving those remain limited.

OpenAI also switched the default model for free users from GPT-5.5 Instant to GPT-5.6 Luna, adding a "Think" button that lets the model spend more computing time before answering for deeper responses. This feature is unlimited in text-only chats but re-subjects to caps when combined with images or files.

For Plus and Pro subscribers, OpenAI upgraded the flagship model GPT-5.6 Sol to improve conversational naturalness and encourage differing opinions when needed. A new "thinking intensity" slider lets users control how much reasoning power each response uses.

OpenAI says the changes aim to boost AI adoption and increase free-user retention, reducing the chance they switch to rivals like Gemini or Claude.