OpenAI's free ChatGPT uses older model, has unclear limits

OpenAI's free ChatGPT tier is not using the latest GPT-5.6 Terra model, but rather an older GPT-5.5 Instant version with fluctuating usage limits. The exact number of messages allowed per session varies significantly between different trackers, with estimates ranging from around 5 to 20 messages within a 3-5 hour window. Additionally, users who opt out of ads may receive fewer free messages, though this effect is primarily observed in the US and its impact is not precisely quantified. AI

IMPACT Users of free ChatGPT may experience reduced performance and stricter usage limits compared to paid tiers.

RANK_REASON Article discusses limitations and pricing tiers of a widely used AI product, but does not announce a new model or significant company-wide change.

Read on dev.to — LLM tag →

• AI Q&A Hub
• ChatGPT
• ChatGPT Work
• Codex
• Elena Constantinescu
• Fello AI
• GPT-5.5 Instant
• GPT 5.6 "Sol"
• GPT-5.6 Terra
• MacRumors
• OpenAI
• Proton
• The Decoder
• TokenKarma

• product
• infra

AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 1 sources. How we write summaries →