Wednesday, September 30, 2026 300 stories · 2717 outlet reports compared

OpenAI launches new $500 pro tier, reports 1.2 billion weekly ChatGPT users

OpenAI introduced a new, pricier subscription plan alongside changes to its existing $200 Pro tier, while saying ChatGPT now has 1.2 billion weekly users.

By The Lumen desk · Sept 30, 2026 · 1 min read
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What we know
1 OpenAI launched a new, higher-priced ChatGPT subscription tier, reported by Engadget to cost $500 a month.
2 OpenAI made changes to its existing $200 Pro subscription tier, according to Engadget.
3 OpenAI said ChatGPT has 1.2 billion weekly users, according to The Verge.
4 OpenAI is building features positioned as an alternative to the traditional app store model, according to TechCrunch.
5 A feature called Dots is available to $200/mo ChatGPT Pro subscribers, according to ZDNET.

OpenAI has launched a new, higher-priced subscription plan for ChatGPT, according to multiple outlets. Engadget reported the new tier costs $500 a month, while also noting changes to the company's existing $200 Pro tier.

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OpenAI said its weekly user base for ChatGPT has reached 1.2 billion, according to The Verge.

According to Business Insider, OpenAI indicated that its new AI agents features will not remain exclusive to premium subscribers indefinitely.

Center-leaning outlets described new features as part of a broader push. TechCrunch reported that OpenAI's latest features are aimed at building an alternative to the traditional app store model, positioning ChatGPT as a place where software can be discovered and used by both people and AI agents. ZDNET referenced a feature called Dots, available to $200/mo ChatGPT Pro users, comparing it to a defanged version of another product called OpenClaw.

How each side covered it

Left

3 outlets
  • Business Insider reported OpenAI said its new AI agents will not remain a premium-only product forever.
  • The Verge reported OpenAI's claim that ChatGPT has 1.2 billion weekly users.
  • Engadget reported on the new $500 Pro subscription tier and changes to the existing $200 tier.

“OpenAI adds $500(!) Pro subscription, nerfs its existing $200 tier” — Engadget

Center

2 outlets
  • TechCrunch reported OpenAI's new features aim to build an alternative to the traditional app store model.
  • TechCrunch noted the features could let both people and AI agents discover and use software through ChatGPT.
  • ZDNET described a feature called Dots available to $200/mo ChatGPT Pro subscribers, comparing it to another product, OpenClaw.

“OpenAI is building out the pieces of an alternative to the traditional app store model, turning ChatGPT into a place where software can be discovered and used by people and AI agents alike.” — TechCrunch

Questions readers ask

What did OpenAI announce?

OpenAI launched a new, higher-priced ChatGPT subscription plan and made changes to its existing $200 Pro tier, according to reports from Engadget and Business Insider.

How many users does ChatGPT have?

OpenAI said ChatGPT has 1.2 billion weekly users, according to The Verge.

What is the cost of OpenAI's new premium plan?

According to Engadget, OpenAI's new Pro subscription tier costs $500 a month.

What angle did center-leaning outlets focus on?

Center-leaning outlets, including TechCrunch, focused on OpenAI building features that position ChatGPT as an alternative to the traditional app store model for discovering and using software.

Will the new AI agent features remain premium-only?

According to Business Insider, OpenAI said its new AI agents will not stay a premium-only product forever.

Sources · 5 outlet reports

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