OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that upcoming AI features will be restricted to paying users due to high compute costs, with the goal of making services more affordable over time.

OpenAI's ChatGPT Pro, launched last year, offers access to advanced models like GPT-5 Pro, designed for complex tasks and enhanced accuracy, and new features will continue to be exclusive to Pro subscribers.

This tiered approach aims to utilize current model costs for exploring advanced AI capabilities while reflecting OpenAI's commitment to lowering the cost of intelligence over time.

While this strategy may accelerate AI market growth and innovation, it also raises social and political concerns about access, privacy, and regulation, especially as AI's societal impacts become more pronounced.

Altman indicated that AI could cause rapid changes in employment, with about 50% of jobs potentially being significantly affected in a short period, particularly in sectors like customer support.

The announcement coincides with industry concerns about an AI bubble, with leaders like Altman and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg warning of overinvestment and speculation in AI technology.

Competitors such as Google are advancing AI tools like the Nano Banana image generator and Gemini AI, which are gaining popularity and challenging OpenAI's market position.

OpenAI's move highlights the ongoing tension between technological progress, commercialization, and ensuring broad access to AI technologies.

Premium features will include extended reasoning, longer context windows, and customizable model behaviors, while standard users will still access advanced models like GPT-5.

Recent OpenAI developments include GPT-5's release, support for branched conversations, and new features like GPT-realtime speech-to-speech, with Pro users gaining higher limits and more options.

OpenAI is partnering with Broadcom to produce proprietary AI chips, moving away from dependence on Nvidia, with a $10 billion supply deal to support large-scale AI hardware development.

Additional industry developments include MediaTek's launch of the Dimensity 9500 SoC and Microsoft's plan to integrate Anthropic AI into Office 365, expanding AI capabilities across platforms.

Altman emphasized that despite risks, AI remains one of the most significant technological advances, and OpenAI aims to push AI capabilities forward while addressing economic challenges.