ChatGPT o1 models are now free with some acceptable limits

OpenAI has responded to the growing demand for its latest AI models by increasing the limits for o1-preview and o1-mini on its ChatGPT Plus and Teams plans. The unveiling of the o1 model, which quickly attracted significant attention due to its enhanced capabilities, led to users reaching their message limits in a short amount of time. On Monday, OpenAI announced that it would raise these limits, allowing users to access more of the powerful model’s features.

We appreciate your excitement for OpenAI o1 and we want you to be able to use it more.

For Plus and Team users, we have increased rate limits for o1-mini by 7x, from 50 messages per week to 50 messages per day.

o1-preview is more expensive to serve, so we’ve increased the rate…

— OpenAI (@OpenAI) September 17, 2024

The limits for o1-mini have seen the most substantial increase, going from 50 messages per week to 50 per day for Plus and Teams users. This sevenfold expansion gives users more freedom to engage with the AI, particularly those who rely on it for tasks like coding or complex problem-solving. Meanwhile, the more expensive o1-preview model, which offers even more advanced features, has had its weekly message limit raised from 30 to 50.

Is it worth the investment?

For those who need powerful tools for coding or complex workflows, this increase in limits may justify the $20 per month ChatGPT Plus subscription.

Is ChatGPT Plus worth it: Discussing every aspect

In our own test of ChatGPT o1-preview, we provided the model with a detailed request to plan a three-week European vacation, and the results were notably impressive. Gone are the days when earlier versions of ChatGPT would struggle with basic math or even simple tasks like counting letters in a word. This latest version showed considerable advancements in reasoning and reliability. The o1-preview model not only handled the itinerary seamlessly, organizing the trip across multiple countries and recommending transportation methods, but it also factored in rural and urban experiences, including budget breakdowns and accommodation tips.

Our preview showcased that o1-preview excels not just in technical tasks but in real-world logistics as well. Its ability to process detailed requests with accurate results shows its potential for users needing assistance with more than just coding or calculations.

The o1 model quickly attracted significant attention due to its enhanced capabilities, this led to users reaching their message limits in a short amount of time (Image credit) What’s the catch?

That said, the o1 models come with some limitations. Unlike GPT-4o, which offers broader features like internet browsing and media uploads, the o1-preview and o1-mini models lack these capabilities. This makes GPT-4o a better fit for users who need more generalized AI support for tasks like searching the web or uploading files for analysis.

Expanding access for free users

OpenAI has hinted that it plans to eventually make the o1-mini model available to all users, including those on the free tier, but the timeline remains unclear. However, some free users have already reported gaining access to o1-mini. To check if it’s available, users can toggle the model selector at the top of the ChatGPT interface and look for the “Alpha Models” section, where they can select o1-mini.

While the exact limits for free users haven’t been specified, it’s safe to assume that they will be lower than those for paid subscribers. This could make it a good option for casual experimentation, but less practical for those looking to integrate the model into their regular workflows. Nonetheless, the introduction of o1-mini to free accounts provides a chance for more users to explore the latest AI developments without needing to commit to a paid subscription.

The bigger picture

OpenAI’s decision to raise the message limits on its o1 models reflects the company’s efforts to cater to growing demand and showcase the potential of its AI tools. As AI continues to evolve, users are increasingly looking for models that can not only handle basic requests but also engage in more detailed reasoning and complex tasks. While the o1-preview and o1-mini models offer exciting advancements, users will need to weigh their specific needs—whether technical, creative, or general—before deciding which version of ChatGPT is best for them.

Featured image credit: Jonathan Kemper/Unsplash