SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – OpenAI has announced an expansion of ChatGPT’s free and Go plan capabilities by setting GPT-5.6 Luna as the default model. The company indicated that users will soon be able to engage in unlimited text conversations starting next week, with safeguards in place to prevent misuse. Additionally, free users will now have access to a Think button to assist with questions requiring more complex reasoning. However, restrictions will still apply to file uploads, image generation, and other features. These updates were revealed by OpenAI on August 6 as part of a comprehensive upgrade to ChatGPT.
During this week’s rollout, GPT-5.6 Luna will serve as the default for Free and Go accounts. The introduction of unlimited text chats and the Think button is scheduled for the following week. The Think feature allows Luna more time to analyze difficult questions before delivering a response. OpenAI clarified that the unlimited text functionality remains under abuse prevention measures. Since this change pertains specifically to text conversations, separate usage restrictions will continue for tools that require additional processing, such as image generation or file uploads.
This expansion takes place as ChatGPT supports a broad and diverse global user base, used in both daily and professional contexts. OpenAI stated that one billion individuals utilize ChatGPT weekly for tasks like searches, planning, research, writing, and more. The company introduced the GPT-5.6 family in July, which includes Sol, Terra, and Luna. Among these, Luna is positioned as the fastest and most cost-effective model. The latest update positions Luna as the core experience for users on Free and Go plans.
Updated GPT-5.6 Sol now available for Paid ChatGPT subscribers
Subscribers to ChatGPT Plus and Pro are now receiving an improved version of GPT-5.6 Sol for daily use. Sol now supports both quick responses and more complex reasoning for these users. OpenAI noted that this update produces more precise answers and reduces unnecessary details when simpler responses suffice. Additionally, Plus and Pro members now have access to a reasoning slider across web, mobile, and desktop platforms. This feature allows users to control the amount of processing ChatGPT applies to questions, including tasks related to research, planning, writing, and coding.
OpenAI also reported enhancements in factual accuracy based on its internal assessments. The testing covered prompts involving financial, medical, and legal topics that require accurate details. Responses with at least one factual mistake were approximately 62% less common with GPT-5.6 Luna compared to GPT-5.5 Instant. Similarly, GPT-5.6 Sol showed a reduction of about 68%. The company stated that the updated Sol model also handles dates, numbers, sources, rules, and assumptions more reliably when these details influence the responses.
New access introduces safety measures and tool restrictions
OpenAI emphasized that its latest models include additional protections for users believed to be under 18. The systems are trained to avoid engaging in romantic roleplay, handling age-restricted challenges, or making claims that could substitute real-world relationships. The models also incorporate age-related boundaries concerning sexual content, eating disorders, dangerous activities, restricted substances, and graphic violence. OpenAI mentioned that it has implemented new assessments for responses involving younger users. The unlimited text feature will still operate within the company’s safeguards against abuse once it is available to Free and Go accounts.
This update impacts only the primary chat experience. OpenAI clarified that the GPT-5.6 Sol versions used in ChatGPT Work and Codex are not affected by this release. Current paid subscribers can access the upgraded Sol model along with the reasoning slider now. Free and Go users will have Luna as their default model this week, with unlimited text chats and the Think button following next week. File uploads, images, and other tools will continue to have separate limits, even after unlimited text messaging is enabled.