Key Takeaways
- OpenAI’s new app builds shows signs of introducing ‘weekly and lifetime’ plans.
- OpenAI may expand its user base by offering weekly subscriptions to budget-conscious customers. OpenAI has not confirmed these rumors. They are merely observations.
OpenAI may be planning to introduce weekly and lifetime subscriptions to its ChatGPT AI model. An X user named @M1Astra (19459056) spotted some interesting strings with words like ‘weekly,’ and a ‘lifetime’.
We also noticed a string which reads ‘Upgrade To Plus’, meaning that these subscriptions could be introduced for ChatGPT plus. All of this is speculation at the moment and may not happen anytime soon.
Still, this highlights the fact that OpenAI is trying to come up with new tactics to capture the market. After all, its current free plan is not sufficient for most casual users, while the $20/month Plus plan is admittedly too expensive for the average user.
The ‘weekly’ plan hits just the sweet spot in this regard. It’s perfect for people with limited AI needs. For instance, students might get the weekly plan while working on university assignments. This way, they won’t have to pay for the entire month’s subscription or worry about cancellations.
However, the ‘lifetime’ plans make little sense to us and to the wider audience who reacted to the news. AI is a rapidly developing technology with new applications being found every day.
We don’t think that even OpenAI can confidently say what its products will look like five years down the line. In such a dynamic landscape, would you want to be stuck with a ‘lifetime’ subscription with no surety of updates?
Read more: OpenAI pushes for democratic AI – and we think it could be a marketing gimmick.
OpenAI’s Huge Cost Recovery Path
OpenAI has pumped billions of dollars into its revolutionary ChatGPT AI model, releasing various variants over the last four years. It recently raised a SoftBank led a $40 billion investment round. The investment is huge, but as in any capitalist economy, the end-user will ultimately pay the price.
But the time is running out for ChatGPT, as the cost competition increases. DeepSeek’s AI model, which is as good as ChatGPT if not better, was developed for $1.6 billion.
OpenAI and the other frontrunners were left with a major question: How can we justify the billions pumped into research facilities and data centers? Weekly subscriptions could be an attempt to speed up cost recovery while time is still available.
When we talk about costs, it’s important to not overlook the quality factor as well. OpenAI, of course, has a huge early mover advantage as well as a pool that other companies don’t have. This gives it an edge in terms of ‘quality’ over its competitors.
If you look at it from the perspective of someone who is not familiar with technical configurations, then ultimately, it comes down to cost. OpenAI’s subscriptions are a good option.
Yes, other companies might follow suit and offer their own versions. OpenAI, however, will once again have the advantage of being first to market and could add a large number of users. We are waiting for any official updates from OpenAI.
Krishi is a seasoned tech journalist with over four years of experience writing about PC hardware, consumer technology, and artificial intelligence. Clarity and accessibility are at the core of Krishi’s writing style. Read more
He believes technology writing should empower readers—not confuse them—and he’s committed to ensuring his content is always easy to understand without sacrificing accuracy or depth.
Over the years, Krishi has contributed to some of the most reputable names in the industry, including Techopedia, TechRadar, and Tom’s Guide. A man of many talents, Krishi has also proven his mettle as a crypto writer, tackling complex topics with both ease and zeal. His work spans various formats—from in-depth explainers and news coverage to feature pieces and buying guides.
Behind the scenes, Krishi operates from a dual-monitor setup (including a 29-inch LG UltraWide) that’s always buzzing with news feeds, technical documentation, and research notes, as well as the occasional gaming sessions that keep him fresh.
Krishi thrives on staying current, always ready to dive into the latest announcements, industry shifts, and their far-reaching impacts. When he’s not deep into research on the latest PC hardware news, Krishi would love to chat with you about day trading and the financial markets—oh! And cricket, as well. Read less
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