ChatGPT delays its new image generator for free users

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OpenAI has decided to delay the rollout of its image-generation tool for free users due to unexpectedly high demand. 

CEO Sam Altman acknowledged in a post on social media that the feature was more popular than anticipated. 

Due to the high demand, the company is pushing back the feature’s availability for all users.

Earlier this week, OpenAI introduced a new image-generation feature in ChatGPT, powered by its latest model, GPT-4o. 

This tool allows users to create images directly within the app and has quickly gained traction, with people sharing AI-generated pictures in the style of Studio Ghibli on social media. Even CEO Sam Altman hopped on the Studio Ghibli-style bandwagon. 

https://twitter.com/heyBarsee/status/1904891940522647662?t=zMWc93RI_FWx4Lidf9_XTw&s=19

However, due to its popularity, OpenAI has limited the feature to paid users for now, and it’s unclear when free-tier users will get access.

Currently, if non-paying users try to generate a Studio Ghibli-style image, ChatGPT says it can’t generate the image due to content guidelines. 

At the same time, OpenAI has also postponed the release of its latest and most advanced version of its AI chatbot, ChatGPT-4.5. 

Originally set to launch widely, the company will instead release it gradually, starting with select users. 

It was already made available to Pro subscribers last week and will soon roll out to Plus subscribers.

One significant change that Altman hinted at is a potential shift in how ChatGPT Plus is priced. 

Currently, users pay $20 per month for unlimited access, but OpenAI is considering a token-based system. 

Under this model, subscribers would receive a set number of tokens each month, which they could use across different OpenAI products, including ChatGPT-4.5, the image generator, and other AI tools.

Despite the delays, Altman says that he believes users will love the improvements in ChatGPT-4.5. 

He also highlights the importance of user feedback in refining the product as it becomes more widely available.

Have you tried out this new ChatGPT feature? Would you pay for a subscription only for this feature? Tell us what you think below in the comments, or via our Twitter or Facebook.