ChatGPT Unveiled AI Chatbot Milestones And Future
The Rapid Ascent and Ongoing Evolution of ChatGPT
ChatGPT, OpenAI’s groundbreaking text-generating AI chatbot, has captivated the world since its debut in November 2022. Initially a tool for enhancing productivity by generating essays and code from short text prompts, it has rapidly grown into a platform with 300 million weekly active users.
2024 marked a significant year for OpenAI, featuring a partnership with Apple for its generative AI service, Apple Intelligence, the introduction of GPT-4o with voice capabilities, and the much-anticipated launch of its text-to-video model Sora.
However, OpenAI also navigated internal challenges, including the departures of key executives like co-founder and longtime chief scientist Ilya Sutskever and CTO Mira Murati. The company has also faced lawsuits from Alden Global Capital-owned newspapers over copyright infringement allegations, and an injunction from Elon Musk aimed at stopping OpenAI’s move to a for-profit structure.
In 2025, OpenAI is contending with the perception of losing ground in the AI race to Chinese competitors like DeepSeek. The company is working to strengthen its relationship with Washington while simultaneously pursuing a large-scale data center project and reportedly preparing for one of history's largest funding rounds.
Below, you will find a timeline of recent ChatGPT product updates and releases. For additional questions, please see our ChatGPT FAQ here.
For a list of 2024 updates, click here.
Timeline of the Most Recent ChatGPT Updates
June 2025
The energy needed for an average ChatGPT query can power a lightbulb for a couple of minutes
Sam Altman stated that an average ChatGPT query uses about one-fifteenth of a teaspoon of water, or 0.000083 gallons, and the energy to power a lightbulb for a few minutes, according to Business Insider. The chatbot also requires 0.34 watt-hours of electricity to operate.
OpenAI has launched o3-pro, an upgraded version of its o3 AI reasoning model
OpenAI has introduced o3-pro, an improved version of its o3 reasoning model. O3-pro is accessible to ChatGPT and Team users and via the API, with Enterprise and Edu users gaining access in the third week of June.
OpenAI o3-pro is available in the model picker for Pro and Team users starting today, replacing OpenAI o1-pro.
Enterprise and Edu users will get access the week after.
As o3-pro uses the same underlying model as o3, full safety details can be found in the o3 system card.… — OpenAI (@OpenAI) June 10, 2025
ChatGPT’s conversational voice mode has been upgraded
OpenAI enhanced ChatGPT’s conversational voice mode for all paid users. The update to Advanced Voice allows users to converse with ChatGPT more naturally and fluidly, and also aids in easier language translation, the company stated.
ChatGPT has added new features like meeting recording and connectors for Google Drive, Box, and more
OpenAI’s ChatGPT now includes new functions for business users, such as cloud service integrations, meeting recordings, and MCP connection support. This allows ChatGPT to retrieve information from users’ services to answer questions, like an analyst using company documents to form an investment thesis.
May 2025
OpenAI CFO says hardware will drive ChatGPT’s growth
OpenAI intends to acquire Jony Ive’s devices startup io for $6.4 billion. Sarah Friar, OpenAI's CFO, believes hardware will significantly boost ChatGPT and expand OpenAI’s audience.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT unveils its AI coding agent, Codex
OpenAI has launched its AI coding agent, Codex, powered by codex-1, a version of its o3 AI reasoning model for software engineering. OpenAI claims codex-1 generates more precise code than o3 and can take 1 to 30 minutes for tasks like writing features or fixing bugs.
Sam Altman aims to make ChatGPT more personalized by tracking every aspect of a person’s life
Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO, mentioned at an AI event that he envisions ChatGPT recording and remembering every detail of a person’s life to enhance personalization.
OpenAI releases its GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 mini AI models in ChatGPT
OpenAI announced in a post on X that it has launched its GPT-4.1 and GPT4.1 mini AI models in ChatGPT.
By popular request, GPT-4.1 will be available directly in ChatGPT starting today.
GPT-4.1 is a specialized model that excels at coding tasks & instruction following. Because it’s faster, it’s a great alternative to OpenAI o3 & o4-mini for everyday coding needs. — OpenAI (@OpenAI) May 14, 2025
OpenAI has introduced a new feature for ChatGPT deep research to analyze GitHub code repositories. This beta feature allows developers to connect with GitHub to ask about codebases. It will soon be available for ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team users, with Enterprise and Education support following.
OpenAI launches a new data residency program in Asia
Following its European data residency program, OpenAI has launched a similar initiative in Asian countries like India, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea for ChatGPT Enterprise, Edu, and API users, helping organizations meet local data sovereignty needs.
OpenAI to introduce a program to grow AI infrastructure
OpenAI is launching OpenAI for Countries, a program aimed at developing local infrastructure to better serve international AI clients by increasing data center capacity and customizing products for local needs. This supports the expansion of Project Stargate, according to Bloomberg.
OpenAI promises to make changes to prevent future ChatGPT sycophancy
OpenAI has announced plans to alter its AI model update procedures following an update that made the platform excessively sycophantic.
April 2025
OpenAI clarifies the reason ChatGPT became overly flattering and agreeable
OpenAI released a post on recent sycophancy issues with GPT-4o, leading to a rollback of an update. CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the issue, and the GPT-4o update was being rolled back. OpenAI is working on fixes after users criticized the model for being too agreeable.
OpenAI is working to fix a “bug” that let minors engage in inappropriate conversations
A bug in ChatGPT allowed it to create graphic erotic content for users under 18, as tested by TechCrunch and confirmed by OpenAI. OpenAI stated, “Protecting younger users is a top priority... a bug allowed responses outside those guidelines, and we are actively deploying a fix.”
ChatGPT helps users by giving recommendations, showing images, and reviewing products for online shopping
OpenAI added features to its ChatGPT search for an improved online shopping experience, providing recommendations, images, and product reviews.
OpenAI wants its AI model to access cloud models for assistance
OpenAI leaders are considering allowing their open model to connect with OpenAI’s cloud-hosted models to enhance responses to complex questions, two sources told TechCrunch.
OpenAI aims to make its new “open” AI model the best on the market
OpenAI is preparing to launch an openly accessible AI system, free to download without API restrictions. Aidan Clark, OpenAI’s VP of research, is leading its early-stage development.
OpenAI’s GPT-4.1 may be less aligned than earlier models
OpenAI released GPT-4.1 in mid-April, but tests indicate it's less reliable than previous models. The company skipped releasing safety cards, stating GPT-4.1 is not a frontier model.
OpenAI’s o3 AI model scored lower than expected on a benchmark
Concerns about OpenAI's transparency arose after a discrepancy in benchmark results for the o3 AI model. OpenAI claimed o3 could solve ~25% of FrontierMath problems, but Epoch AI found it scored ~10%.
OpenAI unveils Flex processing for cheaper, slower AI tasks
OpenAI launched Flex processing, an API feature for using AI models at lower cost but with slower responses, available in beta on o3 and o4-mini models for non-production tasks.
OpenAI’s latest AI models now have a safeguard against biorisks
OpenAI implemented a new system to monitor its AI reasoning models, o3 and o4 mini, for biological and chemical threats, as detailed in OpenAI’s safety report.
OpenAI launches its latest reasoning models, o3 and o4-mini
OpenAI released two new reasoning models, o3 and o4 mini. O3 is claimed to be its most advanced reasoning model, while o4-mini offers a balance of price, speed, and performance. However, they hallucinate more than some previous models.
OpenAI has added a new section to ChatGPT to offer easier access to AI-generated images for all user tiers
OpenAI introduced a “library” section for easier image creation on mobile and web, per the company’s X post.
OpenAI could “adjust” its safeguards if rivals release “high-risk” AI
OpenAI stated on Tuesday it might revise safety standards if a competitor releases a high-risk system without comparable safeguards, reflecting increased competitive pressure.
OpenAI is in the early stages of developing its own social media platform, according to The Verge.
OpenAI will remove its largest AI model, GPT-4.5, from the API, in July
OpenAI will discontinue its largest AI model, GPT-4.5, from its API. It will be available in a research preview. Developers must switch to GPT-4.1 by July 14.
OpenAI unveils GPT-4.1 AI models that focus on coding capabilities
OpenAI launched three GPT-4.1 models (GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, GPT-4.1 nano) focused on coding, accessible via API. It competes with models like Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro, Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet, and DeepSeek’s upgraded V3.
OpenAI will discontinue ChatGPT’s GPT-4 at the end of April
OpenAI plans to sunset GPT-4 and replace it with GPT-4o by April 30, per changelog. GPT-4 will remain available via API.
OpenAI could release GPT-4.1 soon
OpenAI may soon launch new AI models, including GPT-4.1, an update to GPT-4o, The Verge reported. Upcoming models include GPT-4.1 and smaller versions like GPT-4.1 mini and nano.
OpenAI has updated ChatGPT to use information from your previous conversations
OpenAI started updating ChatGPT to remember previous conversations and customize responses, rolling out to Pro and Plus users (excluding UK, EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland).
OpenAI is working on watermarks for images made with ChatGPT
OpenAI appears to be developing an “ImageGen” watermark feature for images from GPT-4o. AI researcher Tibor Blaho spotted it in ChatGPT’s Android app beta, along with mentions of other tools.
OpenAI offers ChatGPT Plus for free to U.S., Canadian college students
OpenAI is offering its $20/month ChatGPT Plus free to US and Canadian college students through May end, providing access to GPT-4o, image generation, and more.
ChatGPT users have generated over 700M images so far
Over 130 million users created over 700 million images since ChatGPT got the upgraded image generator on March 25, according to OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap. It became available to all users on March 31.
OpenAI’s o3 model could cost more to run than initial estimate
The Arc Prize Foundation updated estimated computing costs for OpenAI’s o3 model. Originally $3,000 per problem for o3 high, it could now be around $30,000 per task.
OpenAI CEO says capacity issues will cause product delays
In a series of posts on X, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the new image tool's popularity might delay product releases due to capacity challenges.
March 2025
OpenAI plans to release a new ‘open’ AI language model
OpenAI intends to release its “first” open language model since GPT-2 “in the coming months,” hosting developer events for feedback.
OpenAI removes ChatGPT’s restrictions on image generation
OpenAI updated its content moderation policies after its new image generator, known for Studio Ghibli-style images, went viral. ChatGPT can now generate images of public figures and hateful symbols, an “evolved” approach per a blog post.
OpenAI adopts Anthropic’s standard for linking AI models with data
OpenAI plans to incorporate Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) into its products. MCP helps AI models generate more accurate responses. Support for ChatGPT desktop and Responses API is coming, Sam Altman said.
OpenAI’s viral Studio Ghibli-style images could raise AI copyright concerns
The latest update to ChatGPT's image generator led to a flood of Studio Ghibli-style memes, sparking copyright concerns as OpenAI already faces legal action for unauthorized source material use.
OpenAI expects revenue to triple to $12.7 billion this year
OpenAI projects revenue to triple to $12.7 billion in 2025, Bloomberg reported. While not expecting positive cash flow until 2029, revenue is expected to surpass $29.4 billion in 2026.
ChatGPT has upgraded its image-generation feature
OpenAI on Tuesday rolled out a major upgrade: ChatGPT can now use the GPT-4o model to generate and edit images. Initially for Pro subscribers, it will soon be available to Plus users and developers. Sam Altman said on Wednesday that the release to free users would be delayed due to high demand.
OpenAI announces leadership updates
Brad Lightcap, COO, will lead global expansion and corporate partnerships as CEO Sam Altman focuses on research and products, per an OpenAI blog post. Mark Chen becomes chief research officer, and Julia Villagra chief people officer.
OpenAI’s AI voice assistant now has advanced feature
OpenAI updated its AI voice assistant with improved chatting, per a video. The update enables real-time, more personable conversations. Free tier users can access the new Advanced Voice Mode, while paying users get “more direct, engaging, concise, specific, and creative” answers, an OpenAI spokesperson told TechCrunch.
OpenAI, Meta in talks with Reliance in India
OpenAI and Meta are in separate talks with Reliance Industries for AI collaborations in India, per The Information. Discussions include Reliance Jio distributing ChatGPT and selling OpenAI models to Indian businesses. Meta also plans a large data center in Gujarat.
OpenAI faces privacy complaint in Europe for chatbot’s defamatory hallucinations
Noyb is supporting an individual in Norway shocked by ChatGPT providing false information about him. Noyb stated, “Personal data has to be accurate... Showing ChatGPT users a tiny disclaimer... isn’t enough.”
OpenAI upgrades its transcription and voice-generating AI models
OpenAI added new transcription and voice-generating AI models to its APIs: “gpt-4o-mini-tts” for realistic speech, and speech-to-text models “gpt-4o-transcribe” and “gpt-4o-mini-transcribe,” claimed to have fewer hallucinations.
OpenAI has launched o1-pro, a more powerful version of its o1
OpenAI introduced o1-pro in its API. It uses more computing than its o1 “reasoning” AI model for better responses, available to select developers. It costs $150/million input tokens and $600/million output tokens.
OpenAI research lead Noam Brown thinks AI “reasoning” models could’ve arrived decades ago
Noam Brown, head of AI reasoning research at OpenAI, believes certain AI “reasoning” models could have been developed 20 years ago with the right approach.
OpenAI says it has trained an AI that’s “really good” at creative writing
Sam Altman said in a post on X that OpenAI trained a “new model” good at creative writing. It turns out it might not be that great after all.
we trained a new model that is good at creative writing (not sure yet how/when it will get released). this is the first time i have been really struck by something written by AI; it got the vibe of metafiction so right.
PROMPT:
Please write a metafictional literary short story… — Sam Altman (@sama) March 11, 2025
OpenAI launches new tools to help businesses build AI agents
OpenAI rolled out new tools designed to help developers build AI agents using its models. The tools are part of the new Responses API, replacing the Assistants API, which will be discontinued in H1 2026.
OpenAI reportedly plans to charge up to $20,000 a month for specialized AI ‘agents’
OpenAI intends to release several “agent” products, with prices up to $20,000/month for PhD-level research support, according to The Information. This reflects OpenAI's need for cash after a reported $5 billion loss last year.
ChatGPT can directly edit your code
The latest macOS ChatGPT app version allows users to edit code directly in supported tools like Xcode, VS Code, and JetBrains for Plus, Pro, and Team subscribers.
ChatGPT’s weekly active users doubled in less than 6 months, thanks to new releases
According to a new report from a16z, ChatGPT experienced solid growth in H2 2024. Weekly active users grew from 100 million in Nov 2023 to 200 million in Aug 2024, then to 300 million by Dec 2024 and 400 million by Feb 2025, driven by new models like GPT-4o.
February 2025
OpenAI cancels its o3 AI model in favor of a ‘unified’ next-gen release
OpenAI canceled the o3 release for a “simplified” offering. Sam Altman said in a post on X that a model called GPT-5 integrating o3 and other tech will be released in ChatGPT and its API.
ChatGPT may not be as power-hungry as once assumed
A common stat is ChatGPT requires ~3 watt-hours per query. Epoch AI found an average ChatGPT query consumes ~0.3 watt-hours with GPT-4o, though this doesn't include costs for features like image generation.
OpenAI now reveals more of its o3-mini model’s thought process
OpenAI is changing how its o3-mini model communicates its step-by-step “thought” process. Users will see an updated “chain of thought” showing more reasoning steps.
You can now use ChatGPT web search without logging in
OpenAI allows anyone to use ChatGPT web search without logging in. Previously, account-free use restricted responses to training data. This applies to ChatGPT.com; mobile app use still requires login.
OpenAI unveils a new ChatGPT agent for ‘deep research’
OpenAI announced a new AI “agent” called deep research for complex research using ChatGPT, intended for in-depth information gathering from multiple sources.
January 2025
OpenAI used a subreddit to test AI persuasion
OpenAI used r/ChangeMyView to measure persuasive abilities of its AI models, collecting user posts and having models write replies to change minds, then comparing with human replies.
OpenAI launches o3-mini, its latest ‘reasoning’ model
OpenAI launched o3-mini, a new AI “reasoning” model, pitched as “powerful” and “affordable.” It was previewed in December with the more capable o3.
ChatGPT’s mobile users are 85% male, report says
An Appfigures report found over half of ChatGPT’s mobile users are under 25, with ages 50-64 as the second largest group. Men make up 84.5% of all users.
OpenAI launches ChatGPT plan for US government agencies
OpenAI launched ChatGPT Gov for U.S. government agencies, offering capabilities similar to ChatGPT Enterprise, enabling agencies to manage security, privacy, and compliance for sensitive data.
More teens report using ChatGPT for schoolwork, despite the tech’s faults
Younger Gen Zers are using ChatGPT for schoolwork, per a Pew Research Center survey. 26% of teens aged 13-17 reported using it for school, double from two years ago. Over half think it's acceptable for research, raising concerns given ChatGPT's faults.
OpenAI says it may store deleted Operator data for up to 90 days
OpenAI might store chats and screenshots from Operator, its AI “agent” tool, for up to 90 days after manual deletion. ChatGPT's retention period is 30 days, 60 days shorter than Operator’s.
OpenAI launches Operator, an AI agent that performs tasks autonomously
OpenAI is launching a research preview of Operator, an AI agent that can control a web browser and perform actions independently, automating tasks like booking travel and online shopping.
OpenAI may preview its agent tool for users on the $200-per-month Pro plan
Operator, OpenAI’s agent tool, might be released soon. Code changes suggest Operator will be an early research preview for users on the $200 Pro plan. A user on X named Choi spotted these updates.
OpenAI tests phone number-only ChatGPT signups
OpenAI is testing a feature allowing new users to sign up with only a phone number in the U.S. and India. Email is still needed for paid plans or multi-factor authentication.
ChatGPT now lets you schedule reminders and recurring tasks
ChatGPT’s new beta feature, tasks, allows users to set simple reminders. It will roll out to Plus, Team, and Pro users.
New ChatGPT feature lets users assign it traits like ‘chatty’ and ‘Gen Z’
OpenAI is introducing a way for users to customize ChatGPT interactions. Users can specify a name and traits like “Chatty” or “Gen Z.” Some users reported options disappearing, possibly due to premature release.
ChatGPT Frequently Asked Questions
What is ChatGPT? How does it work?
ChatGPT is a general-purpose chatbot using AI to generate text from user prompts, developed by OpenAI. It uses GPT-4, a large language model, for human-like text production.
When did ChatGPT get released?
ChatGPT was released for public use on November 30, 2022.
What is the latest version of ChatGPT?
Both free and paid ChatGPT Plus versions are regularly updated. The most recent model is GPT-4o.
Can I use ChatGPT for free?
Yes, there is a free version of ChatGPT requiring sign-in, alongside the paid ChatGPT Plus.
Who uses ChatGPT?
Anyone can use ChatGPT. Tech companies and search engines are increasingly using it to automate text or answer user questions.
What companies use ChatGPT?
Many enterprises use ChatGPT, though some may limit its use.
Microsoft announced integrating its ChatGPT-based Bing into Windows 11. Startup Looking Glass uses ChatGPT for interactive holograms. Solana integrated the chatbot into its network.
What does GPT mean in ChatGPT?
GPT stands for Generative Pre-Trained Transformer.
What is the difference between ChatGPT and a chatbot?
A chatbot can be any system for dialogue, not necessarily AI-powered (e.g., rule-based bots). ChatGPT is AI-powered, using LLM technology for text generation.
Can ChatGPT write essays?
Yes.
Can ChatGPT commit libel?
Models don't discern truth, only verisimilitude. This can be problematic, potentially leading to libel if false accusations are made. How troubling statements from ChatGPT are handled will be seen as legal experts address this.
Does ChatGPT have an app?
Yes, a free ChatGPT mobile app is available for iOS and Android.
What is the ChatGPT character limit?
There's no documented limit, but users note limitations around 500 words.
Does ChatGPT have an API?
Yes, it was released March 1, 2023.
What are some sample everyday uses for ChatGPT?
Programming, scripts, email replies, listicles, blog ideas, summarization, etc.
What are some advanced uses for ChatGPT?
Debugging code, programming languages, scientific concepts, complex problem solving, etc.
How good is ChatGPT at writing code?
It varies. It can write workable Python but may not program entire apps due to lack of context awareness.
Can you save a ChatGPT chat?
Yes, OpenAI allows saving chats in the interface. No built-in sharing features yet.
Are there alternatives to ChatGPT?
Yes, multiple AI chatbot competitors exist, like Together, Google’s Gemini, Anthropic’s Claude, and open source alternatives are being developed.
How does ChatGPT handle data privacy?
OpenAI states individuals in “certain jurisdictions” can object to personal information processing via this form, including deletion requests for AI-generated references. OpenAI notes requests are balanced against freedom of expression.
The web form is titled “OpenAI Personal Data Removal Request”.
OpenAI’s privacy policy mentions opt-out instructions: “See here for instructions on how you can opt out of our use of your information to train our models.”
What controversies have surrounded ChatGPT?
Discord’s bot Clyde, using OpenAI tech, was tricked into providing instructions for illicit substances.
An Australian mayor announced he may sue OpenAI for defamation due to false claims by ChatGPT.
CNET faced controversy after Futurism reported it published AI-generated articles. Its owner, Red Ventures, was accused of using ChatGPT for SEO farming.
NYC Public Schools and other institutions banned ChatGPT, citing plagiarism and misinformation concerns, though not all educators agree.
There have been cases of ChatGPT accusing individuals of false crimes.
Where can I find examples of ChatGPT prompts?
Marketplaces like PromptBase and ChatX host prompts.
Can ChatGPT be detected?
Poorly. Tools claiming to detect ChatGPT text are inconsistent.
Are ChatGPT chats public?
No. But OpenAI recently disclosed a bug (now fixed) that exposed some users’ conversation titles.
What lawsuits are there surrounding ChatGPT?
None specifically target ChatGPT. But OpenAI is involved in at least one lawsuit with implications for AI systems trained on public data.
Are there issues regarding plagiarism with ChatGPT?
Yes. Text-generating AI models can regurgitate content from their training data.
This story is continually updated with new information.
