Sam Altman Hints at ChatGPT-5 Pro for Plus Users

Introduction

OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has dropped a hint that the highly advanced ChatGPT-5 Pro might soon be available to ChatGPT Plus subscribers but not without a limitation that could leave some users wanting more.

ChatGPT-5 Pro: A Possible Upgrade for Plus Users

In a recent interaction on X (formerly Twitter), Altman responded to a post praising the capabilities of GPT-5 Pro, revealing that OpenAI is considering giving Plus members a very small number of GPT-5 Pro queries each month. This would allow them to experience the power of the Pro version without committing to the hefty $200 per month Pro subscription.

Currently, Plus users pay $20/month for access to ChatGPT-5 (fast answers) and ChatGPT-5 Thinking (slower but more in-depth responses). ChatGPT-5 Pro combines the best of both delivering research-grade AI responses with both speed and depth. Even a few queries per month could significantly boost the value of a Plus subscription.

Why the Limitation?

Altman was clear that these GPT-5 Pro queries would be limited, hinting that running the model at its full capability is resource-intensive. He even joked that if someone wanted to pay $1,000/month for double the input tokens, OpenAI might make it happen.

For now, GPT-5 Pro remains exclusive to Pro tier users who pay $200/month. Offering a trial-like access to Plus members could give more people a taste of the model’s potential and perhaps encourage upgrades.

The Model Confusion Problem

OpenAI initially aimed to simplify its AI model lineup with ChatGPT-5, moving away from the tangled naming conventions that surrounded ChatGPT-4. The idea was simple: let the system choose the best model for your request without forcing you to pick.

However, recent changes including restoring ChatGPT-4o for Plus subscribers after backlash have brought back the complexity. If Plus users get GPT-5 Pro alongside GPT-4o, GPT-5, and GPT-5 Thinking, we may be right back to model selector overload, where too many choices cause confusion rather than clarity.

What This Means for ChatGPT Plus Subscribers

If this change goes ahead, Plus members could soon have access to:

ChatGPT-4o – Balanced speed and quality
ChatGPT-5 – Fast responses
ChatGPT-5 Thinking – Slower but more thoughtful replies
ChatGPT-5 Pro (Limited) – Premium, research-grade responses

It’s an exciting possibility for those on the $20/month plan, but nothing is confirmed yet. Altman’s use of the word “considering” means it’s still in the discussion phase.

Why OpenAI Might Make This Move

There are several possible reasons behind this strategy:

User Retention – Giving Plus users a taste of GPT-5 Pro could encourage them to stay subscribed longer.
Upselling Opportunity – If users like the Pro experience, they might upgrade to the $200/month tier.
Market Pressure – With competitors like Anthropic’s Claude and Google’s Gemini pushing premium AI models, OpenAI needs to keep its Plus tier appealing.
Feedback Gathering – Limited trials could help OpenAI collect usage data to fine tune GPT-5 Pro before wider release.

What It Means for the AI Industry

If this change happens, it could shift user expectations across the AI space. Competitors may feel pressure to offer premium AI features in lower-priced plans, potentially sparking a “feature war” between AI providers.

It also shows that AI companies are experimenting with hybrid pricing models, blending subscription tiers with limited premium access. This mirrors strategies in other tech industries, like gaming, where free users get small tastes of paid features.

Will It Actually Happen?

Altman’s use of the word “considering” is key, nothing is finalized. OpenAI could decide that the complexity or costs outweigh the benefits. Still, as CEO, Altman has the authority to greenlight the idea if he believes it’s worth it.

If approved, Plus subscribers could soon enjoy occasional access to GPT-5 Pro, alongside their current options, without the heavy $200/month price tag.

Final Thoughts

While the idea of giving Plus users a taste of ChatGPT-5 Pro is enticing, it also risks adding complexity to a system that was meant to be streamlined. If OpenAI can balance simplicity with powerful new features, this move could strengthen the Plus plan’s value and give more users access to cutting edge AI without the premium price tag.

This post is written and reviewed by Rajeev Kumar, an avid blogger of AI tools. With experience in AI blogging, Rajeev helps readers find powerful and practical AI solutions.

FAQ

1. What is ChatGPT-5 Pro?
ChatGPT-5 Pro is OpenAI’s premium, research-grade AI model that delivers fast responses with deep, analytical thinking. It combines the speed of ChatGPT-5 with the depth of ChatGPT-5 Thinking, making it ideal for complex problem-solving, professional research, and advanced content creation.

2. How much does ChatGPT-5 Pro cost?
ChatGPT-5 Pro is currently available only to Pro subscribers at $200/month (or £200 / AU$300). However, OpenAI is considering giving ChatGPT Plus users limited free queries each month to test its capabilities.

3. What’s the difference between ChatGPT-5 and ChatGPT-5 Pro?
ChatGPT-5 is designed for quick, general-purpose responses, while ChatGPT-5 Pro offers deeper, more accurate, and context-rich answers at a faster pace than the “Thinking” mode. Pro is better suited for research-heavy tasks and professional use cases.

4. Will Plus subscribers get unlimited access to ChatGPT-5 Pro?
No. According to Sam Altman, Plus subscribers may only get a very small number of ChatGPT-5 Pro queries each month. Unlimited use would still require upgrading to the $200/month Pro plan.

5. Why is OpenAI limiting GPT-5 Pro access for Plus members?
GPT-5 Pro is resource-intensive to run, requiring more computing power and higher costs. Limited access allows OpenAI to let more users try it without overwhelming system resources or significantly increasing subscription prices.

6. When will ChatGPT-5 Pro be available for Plus subscribers?
There is no official release date yet. Sam Altman has said the feature is being considered, meaning it’s still in the planning stage and not guaranteed.

7. Will this make the ChatGPT model lineup more confusing?
Possibly. Adding GPT-5 Pro to the Plus tier — alongside GPT-4o, GPT-5, and GPT-5 Thinking — could reintroduce the complexity OpenAI initially aimed to avoid.

8. How can I access ChatGPT-5 Pro now?
Currently, you can only use ChatGPT-5 Pro by subscribing to the Pro plan at $200/month. If OpenAI rolls out limited access for Plus users, you could try it at the $20/month level.