OpenAI recently launched its enhanced GPT-4o Image Generation feature, attracting over 1 million new users in just one hour due to its ability to create Studio Ghibli-style images. Initially available only to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team subscribers, it is now accessible to free tier users, who can generate up to three images daily before being prompted to upgrade. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed this on X.com. Additionally, OpenAI has raised $40 billion in funding, primarily from SoftBank, increasing its total valuation to $300 billion and bringing its weekly user count to 500 million.
Last week, OpenAI unveiled its enhanced GPT-4o Image Generation features, and they quickly captured attention with Studio Ghibli-inspired images, attracting over 1 million new users within just an hour of launch. Initially, this new image generation capability was limited to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team subscribers, but it has now been extended to the free tier of the chatbot.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed the update on X.com, although it comes with certain restrictions, as free tier users can generate a maximum of 3 images daily. Once this limit is hit, users will be encouraged to upgrade to a paid tier.
chatgpt image gen now rolled out to all free users!
— Sam Altman (@sama) April 1, 2025
In other news, OpenAI has secured an additional $40 billion in funding. This funding round, led by SoftBank, boosts OpenAI’s valuation to $300 billion. Initially, OpenAI will receive $10 billion, with SoftBank contributing $7.5 billion, while the remaining $2.5 billion will come from an “investor syndicate.” The remaining $30 billion is expected to be delivered later this year. Additionally, OpenAI has announced that it currently has 500 million weekly users.
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