OpenAI has made its powerful image generator available to all users, marking a major shift in accessibility. Previously, this feature was exclusive to paid ChatGPT subscribers. CEO Sam Altman confirmed the rollout in a post on X, though the exact usage limits for free users remain unclear. Last week, Altman hinted at a limit of three images per day for free-tier users.
Since its launch, OpenAI’s image generation tool has gained massive popularity. The overwhelming demand even pushed the company’s GPU capacity to its limits, with Altman joking that the servers were “melting”. The tool has also sparked debate over AI-generated art, especially due to its ability to replicate styles like those of Studio Ghibli, raising concerns about copyright and data training practices.
Some users have experimented with the tool to create fake receipts, such as restaurant bills. OpenAI has addressed these concerns, stating that all AI-generated images contain metadata identifying their origin. The company also monitors and takes action against content that violates its policies.
In other news, OpenAI has secured a $40 billion funding round led by SoftBank, boosting its valuation to $300 billion. The company also announced that ChatGPT has reached 500 million weekly active users and 700 million monthly active users, further solidifying its position as a leader in AI innovation.