OpenAI has announced that free users and subscribers to its entry-level tier will gain unlimited text messaging on ChatGPT, powered by the rollout of the GPT-5.6 Luna model. According to official company statements, the change removes longstanding usage boundaries that previously restricted free accounts, marking a significant shift in how the artificial intelligence company monetizes its platform.
For more than three years, OpenAI used tight message caps to encourage free users to upgrade to paid monthly subscriptions. That structure shifts as GPT-5.6 Luna replaces GPT-5.5 Instant as the default model for free accounts and the Go subscription tier. While free users were previously capped at 10 messages every five hours before being bumped to a smaller model, and Go subscribers faced limits of 160 messages every three hours, text conversations on the default tier will soon face no volume restrictions.
Tier Breakdown and Model Availability
The update divides access tiers by model capability. GPT-5.6 Sol, recognized as the most powerful model within the GPT-5.6 family, remains restricted to users paying for Plus and Pro subscriptions. Free users and Go subscribers will not have access to Sol, keeping the flagship intelligence behind higher monthly price points.
OpenAI noted that while text chats are unlimited on Luna, restrictions still apply to other workflows. Image generation, file uploads, and specific external tools remain subject to usage limits. Furthermore, the company applies automated safeguards to text messaging to prevent platform abuse.
Infrastructure Costs and Efficiency Gains
Every chatbot query requires computational power and active processors to generate a response, which makes unmetered free access an expensive operational challenge.
According to an earlier report by The Information published in late June, OpenAI successfully reduced inference costs by more than half through system optimizations. These backend adjustments decreased the number of Nvidia processors required to process unauthenticated traffic, paving the way for wider, unmetered access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ChatGPT users qualify for unlimited text messaging?
Free users and subscribers to the Go plan receive unlimited text messaging powered by the GPT-5.6 Luna model.
Are all features unlimited on the free tier?
No. While text conversations have no message caps, sending images, uploading files, and using external tools remain restricted.
Which model do Plus and Pro subscribers use?
Plus and Pro subscribers retain access to GPT-5.6 Sol, the most capable model in OpenAI’s current lineup.
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