OpenAI Lifts Text-Only Chat Limit for Free ChatGPT Users and Upgrades Default Model

On August 10, OpenAI announced adjustments to ChatGPT's usage policy, removing message limits for free and Go-tier users in plain-text conversations. Effective immediately, these users will no longer be subject to message caps when engaging in standard text-based chats. However, usage quotas for image generation, file uploads, and voice mode remain in place. As part of this update, the default model for free and Go-tier accounts has been changed from GPT-5.5 Instant to GPT-5.6 Luna. Additionally, ChatGPT now features a new "Think" button, enabling the Luna model to allocate additional computation time before responding, thereby generating more thoughtful replies. This feature is unlimited in plain-text scenarios but counts toward usage quotas when used alongside capabilities like image or file processing. For Plus and Pro subscribers, OpenAI has introduced an enhanced flagship model, GPT-5.6 Sol, designed to improve conversational naturalness, reduce unnecessary formatting, and better express differing opinions when appropriate. Paid users also gain access to a "Thinking Intensity" slider, allowing them to manually control the amount of reasoning resources allocated per response.