OpenAI’s New Image Generator Now Open to Everyone

Exciting news for AI enthusiasts! OpenAI’s latest image generator, powered by its cutting-edge GPT-4o model, is now available to all users. CEO Sam Altman announced the update on X, marking a significant shift from its previous restriction to paid ChatGPT subscribers.

While there’s still some uncertainty about how many images free users can create daily, Altman previously mentioned a tentative limit of three per day. Despite this restriction, the demand for the tool has been overwhelming. In fact, Altman humorously noted that OpenAI’s GPUs were practically "melting" due to the surge in usage.

The tool gained widespread attention not just for its capabilities but also for some controversies. Users quickly experimented with turning images into the distinctive style of Studio Ghibli, raising copyright and ethical concerns. Additionally, some people generated fake receipts, including restaurant bills. OpenAI addressed these issues, stating that all AI-generated images include metadata marking their origin, and the company actively enforces its guidelines to prevent misuse.

Amid this buzz, OpenAI also shared another major milestone—securing a massive $40 billion funding round led by SoftBank, pushing the company’s valuation to an astonishing $300 billion. Furthermore, ChatGPT has now reached 500 million weekly active users and 700 million monthly active users, cementing its position as one of the most widely used AI tools today.

With AI’s rapid evolution, it’s clear that OpenAI is at the forefront, shaping the way we interact with technology.