Openai opens access to GPT‑4o, but free users face limits
OpenAI announced that all ChatGPT users can use the new GPT-4o model. This is true, but there is a critical detail worth knowing.
Until now, ChatGPT users have had access to different language models. The free version uses the older GPT-3.5, while those who paid for the ChatGPT Plus plan can access the newer and more advanced GPT-4.
A few days ago, OpenAI announced that the latest GPT-4o model would be available to free and paid ChatGPT users. After this announcement, social media was flooded with users' questions, with many wondering why they should pay for ChatGPT Plus.
Limitations in the free version of GPT-4o
GPT-4o will be gradually rolled out to free version users, and those selected in the first round will see a notification granting them "limited access."
What does this limitation entail? According to the service's terms, users of the free plan will have default access to GPT-4o but with a limit on the number of messages they can send. This limit will change based on current usage and demand. If GPT-4o is unavailable, free users will automatically switch to the GPT-3.5 model.
It's worth noting that GPT-4o supports features such as data, file, and image analysis, AI access to websites, and custom GPT models. These features are unavailable in GPT-3.5, so their access will also be limited.
A new voice module, which will appear in a few weeks, will also be based on GPT-4o. It will allow for natural and dynamic conversations with ChatGPT. After the limit is exhausted, access to this feature will also be blocked.
GPT-4o has limitations even in the paid version, but they are smaller
Users on the ChatGPT Plus plan can send up to 80 messages every 3 hours using the GPT-4o model and up to 40 messages every 3 hours using the GPT-4 model. OpenAI explains on its website that in case of high load, they may reduce the message limit to ensure the availability of the GPT-4 and GPT-4o models for as many users as possible. The company also notes that unused messages will not accumulate.
If users of the paid ChatGPT Plus plan exceed the message limits for GPT-4o, they can switch to the GPT-4 model, which still allows for file and website analysis.
Therefore, although everyone will have access to GPT-4o, free version users can expect only a few relatively short daily conversations.
