OpenAI brings unlimited ChatGPT text chats to free users

OpenAI is removing limits on the number of text messages free users can send in ChatGPT as the service surpasses 1 billion weekly users.

TechCrunch reports, citing the company’s announcement, that unlimited text chats are rolling out to users on both the Free and Go plans. Previously, these users were limited to roughly 10 to 40 messages every few hours before ChatGPT switched them to a less capable model.

The change is possible because OpenAI is introducing a new default model for Free and Go users. GPT-5.6 Luna, the lightest model in the new GPT-5.6 family, is replacing GPT-5.5 Instant. Its lower compute requirements allow OpenAI to offer unlimited text conversations across its massive user base.

The unlimited access applies only to text. Limits remain in place for file uploads, voice mode, images and image generation, while unlimited chats are still subject to abuse safeguards.

Paid plans are getting a different upgrade. Plus and Pro subscribers now have access to an improved version of GPT-5.6 Sol, optimized for fast everyday tasks such as questions, web searches, planning and writing. OpenAI says the model produces more concise and accurate responses with less unnecessary formatting, while a dedicated control lets users adjust how much reasoning effort it spends on an answer. Free users are getting a simpler version of the feature through a Think button that enables deeper reasoning for more complex queries.