OpenAI announced it will remove all limits on text-based chats for Free and Go tier ChatGPT users starting August 17, allowing unlimited text conversations without restriction [1, 2, 3]. Non-text features such as file uploads, image inputs, image generation, and voice mode will still have rate limits for these users [1, 2, 3].
This week, OpenAI began rolling out the new GPT-5.6 Luna model as the default for Free and Go tier users, replacing the prior GPT-5.5 Instant model [1, 2, 3]. The company said internal evaluations show GPT-5.6 Luna reduces factual errors by 62% compared to GPT-5.5 Instant [2]. In addition, Free and Go users will get access to a new "Think" button next week to enable higher reasoning on harder questions [1, 2, 3].
For Plus and Pro subscribers, the GPT-5.6 Sol model debuted August 13 or 14 and is designed for quick daily tasks such as research, advice, planning, writing, and decision making [1, 2]. Compared with GPT-5.5 Instant, Sol reduces factual errors by 68%, according to OpenAI's internal testing [2]. Plus and Pro users also gained a slider control to adjust how much "thought" the model puts into its answers [1, 2, 3]. OpenAI said Sol "delivers more focused answers, adapts its level of detail to the question, avoids unnecessary formatting, and offers a helpful correction when simply agreeing wouldn't be useful" [3]. It added, "The new GPT‑5.6 Sol is designed to make fewer mistakes — especially when answers depend on dates, numbers, sources, rules, or assumptions — by better using the sources it finds to answer your question" [1].
According to OpenAI, ChatGPT now exceeds 1 billion weekly users, marking its continued widespread adoption [2]. The timing of the new model rollouts and feature unlocks aligns with growing user demand for more capable and reliable AI chat assistance.
The next key step is on August 17, when Free and Go users gain unlimited text chats and access to the "Think" button for tougher queries, while rate limits remain on non-text features [1, 2, 3]. The GPT-5.6 Luna and Sol models will remain the defaults for their respective tiers.
