OpenAI took a bold step with the release of GPT-4o, appearing to be more generous with its business approach to creating need and increasing conversion for its free users.

Its actions over the last few hours leave the ChatGPT Plus subscription as a less attractive product than before.

Because this is important. The line between free and paid versions of ChatGPT quickly becomes blurred. This raises questions about the added value of the Plus version and could impact OpenAI’s monetization strategy for at least the next few months.

End.

• GPT-4o is available to a limited number of free users.
• The native app for macOS launched yesterday for all users, including free accounts.
• The long-awaited near-zero latency voice chat feature has been delayed until the fall.

Context. These developments, especially the public app and the renewed mix of deferred voice calling, erode the benefits of switching to ChatGPT Plus.

OpenAI appears to be prioritizing mass adoption over instant monetization. A strategy that seems risky and visionary at the same time.

go deeper. One of GPT-4o’s biggest attractions, ultra-fast voice calling, is still reserved for paying users, but delaying that for at least another four months leaves this entire space facing a reduction in incentive to pay.

OpenAI cited the need for improvements in security and detection of inappropriate content as reasons for this delay.

CoupOpenAI’s decision to make some cutting-edge features available to any user may have some consequences:

• There is more pressure on the competition and we are now being forced to offer more features on the free plan. The twins and Claude are under the spotlight.
• Following the news announced in May, adoption accelerated as more industries adopted the use of ChatGPT.
• Difficulties in making money. If the benefits of the premium plan continue to decrease, OpenAI will need to find a balance for its revenue.

What does the paid version still offer?. Although some of its advantages have decreased, ChatGPT Plus retains some of its benefits:

• Priority access during peak hours, but in the early months of service this seemed to be a more frequent problem.
• Unlimited use of GPT-4o, unlike limitations for free users.
• Early access to new features and updates in beta.
• Expanded speech storage for future reference.
• Ability to create and customize GPTs.

in perspective. Although ChatGPT Plus has notable advantages, the difference is greatly reduced with the free plan. This could signal OpenAI’s quest to become a major standard to dominate the conversational AI market.

On the other hand, the company faces the challenge of keeping its premium offerings attractive to continue having a good revenue stream. The first step will be to add new exclusive features. Or why not launch GPT-5 as soon as possible?

in Xataka | ChatGPT and its competitors are boring. And turning them into fun chatbots won’t be easy.

Featured image | ilgmyzin on Unsplash