ChatGPT Plus is a subscription service that provides users with enhanced access to the GPT-4 large language model, offering faster speeds, improved reliability, and priority access to new features. With ChatGPT Plus, you'll also be able to create custom GPTs, utilize DALL-E 3 for image generation, and more.
Launched in February 2023, ChatGPT functions as an AI chatbot, just like its free counterpart. It serves as an advanced machine learning assistant capable of engaging in natural language conversations.
According to OpenAI’s announcement, “We launched ChatGPT as a research preview to better understand its strengths and weaknesses and to gather user feedback for improvement.” Since then, millions have provided feedback, leading to crucial updates and showcasing its value across a wide range of professional applications, including content drafting, editing, brainstorming, programming assistance, and learning new subjects.
ChatGPT Plus is available for $20 per month, while the free version of ChatGPT continues to be offered, ensuring that paying for the subscription is not a requirement for service access.
When it first launched, ChatGPT introduced three main benefits for users:
1. Access to ChatGPT even during peak usage times
2. Quicker response times
3. Priority access to new features and improvements
Initially, one of the most significant advantages of ChatGPT Plus was guaranteed access during peak hours, alleviating the frustration experienced by many who waited for extended periods to use the service.
However, the benefits extend beyond just expedited access. ChatGPT Plus officially utilizes GPT-4, which significantly enhances capabilities compared to the earlier GPT-3.5 model. OpenAI states that GPT-4 generates 40% more accurate responses and serves as a stronger collaborative tool for creative endeavors. Notable improvements in GPT-4 include the ability to process visual inputs alongside text, support for longer inputs and outputs, and access to internet-sourced data up until October 2023. GPT-4 also boasts an impressive input limit of 25,000 words, compared to GPT-3.5's 3,000-word limit.
OpenAI has rolled out a host of exciting new features for ChatGPT Plus subscribers, including the creation of custom chatbots (GPTs) and the use of DALL-E 3 for image generation. The introduction of the GPT Store in January 2024 marks the latest enhancement, allowing users to explore an ecosystem of specialized GPTs tailored for specific use cases.
ChatGPT incurs significant operating costs due to hosting, maintenance, hardware upgrades, and investor demands, with estimates suggesting daily expenses could reach $100,000—amounting to about $3 million monthly. The subscription model aims to cover the costs associated with necessary server upgrades.
This premium tier helps OpenAI manage bandwidth effectively, especially during peak usage times.
Initially, ChatGPT Plus was accessible through an invite-only waitlist. However, you can now easily upgrade to ChatGPT Plus by clicking “Upgrade to Plus” in the sidebar.
OpenAI is actively developing future versions of its language model. While details about the next iteration remain scarce, it will build on the advancements of GPT-4. There was speculation that GPT-4.5 could be ready by September or October of 2023; however, that timeframe has passed. Additionally, OpenAI is testing Sora, its new generative video platform, which has already generated excitement despite being in early testing phases. GPT-5 was previously rumored to be under development, but OpenAI has since indicated that it is no longer part of their roadmap.
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