Unlimited chat comes to free ChatGPT users

OpenAI is removing limits on text-based chats for all free and Go users. As part of this update, these users will move to a new AI engine called GPT-5.6 Luna. To help with harder questions, the company is also adding a Think button that allows users to trigger more intensive reasoning. While text chats are becoming unlimited, limits will remain in place for other features like voice, image generation, and file uploads. For paying subscribers, an updated version of the GPT-5.6 Sol model is arriving now, designed to be more accurate with facts and provide more concise responses. These users will also receive a new slider that lets them manually adjust how much effort the AI puts into thinking through a response.

Think of these AI engines like interns with varying levels of experience. The models are essentially prediction engines that process information to generate a response. When you use the new Think button or the slider for paid users, you are essentially telling the AI to stop giving you the first, fastest answer and instead take extra time to cycle through its internal logic. This is similar to how a student might solve a complex math problem; instead of guessing, they show their work to ensure the logic holds up. By spending more time processing before responding, the AI reduces the chance of making a mistake, particularly when the answer requires precise dates, numbers, or specific rules.

The shift toward unlimited text highlights a new reality for AI: the core technology behind answering questions is becoming a standard utility, much like search or email. By lowering the barriers for casual users, OpenAI is betting that the real value lies in the frequency and depth of our interactions. However, the introduction of thinking controls also signals a shift in how we should treat these tools. We are moving away from expecting instant answers toward expecting thoughtful ones. As the gap between a quick reply and a well-reasoned answer grows, learning how to guide the AI’s focus is becoming a vital skill for anyone relying on these systems to do real work.