OpenAI has overhauled the limits it places on free ChatGPT users, announcing on 6 August 2026 that from the week of 10 August, free and Go tier accounts can send unlimited text messages to the chatbot. Separate caps remain in place for other functions such as image generation and file uploads, meaning the change specifically addresses the volume of everyday text conversation rather than removing all restrictions. The move matters because it significantly widens access to core chatbot functionality for non-paying users, though it still leaves a clear gap between free and paid tiers in terms of model quality and features.

Free accounts remain restricted to a single, smaller model, GPT-5.6 Luna, with access to the more capable Terra and Sol models reserved for subscribers or API customers, and only one reasoning mode is available rather than the adjustable options paid users get. Other constraints include a 500MB library limit for uploaded files, a smaller default voice model, limited use of OpenAI's Codex and Work tools, and a narrower context window and memory capacity. Free and Go-tier users will also continue to see "sponsored" adverts alongside responses, except on sensitive topics, while accounts remain enrolled in model training by default unless users opt out via ChatGPT's website settings.