OpenAI has broadened access to its powerful image-generation tool, making it available to all users, a feature that was previously restricted to paying subscribers. The move was announced by CEO Sam Altman in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“ChatGPT mage gen now rolled out to all free users!” Altman stated .
While the exact number of free-tier image generations remains unspecified, Altman previously suggested that non-paying users might be limited to three images per day.
Surging Demand and AI Capabilities
Since its launch, OpenAI’s image-generation tool has witnessed a surge in demand, with Altman humorously remarking that the high usage was putting immense strain on the company’s GPUs.
The tool has gained particular popularity for its ability to transform images into Studio Ghibli-inspired artwork, mimicking the signature style of the famed Japanese animation studio.
According to OpenAI, the latest GPT-4o image-generation model offers improved accuracy in rendering text, precisely following prompts, and incorporating chat context. Users can also modify uploaded images or use them as a base for new creations.
“These capabilities make it easier to create exactly the image you envision, helping you communicate more effectively through visuals and advancing image generation into a practical tool with precision and power,” OpenAI stated.
Concerns Over Copyright and Misuse
However, the tool’s expanded availability has raised concerns over potential copyright violations, particularly regarding its ability to generate Studio Ghibli-style images. Critics question whether OpenAI’s training data included proprietary artwork without permission.
Additionally, the AI model has been misused to create fake documents, including fabricated restaurant receipts. In response, OpenAI clarified that all AI-generated images contain metadata identifying ChatGPT as the source, and the company actively enforces policies against misuse.
ALSO READ: DIGITAL REALTY OPENS NEW FRANKFURT DATA CENTRE
$40 Billion Funding Boost Elevates OpenAI’s Valuation
In a significant financial milestone, OpenAI has secured $40 billion in its latest funding round, making it one of the world’s most valuable private tech firms at $300 billion—matching ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company) and second only to SpaceX ($350 billion), according to CB Insights.
The funding round, led by Japan’s SoftBank ($30 billion), also included investments from Microsoft, Coatue, Altimeter, and Thrive. OpenAI stated that the fresh capital will be used to advance AI research and expand computing infrastructure.
A significant portion of the funds—$18 billion—will be directed toward Stargate, OpenAI’s joint venture with SoftBank and Oracle, announced in January by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Potential Shift in OpenAI’s Business Structure
Despite the massive funding, SoftBank’s total investment could drop to $20 billion if OpenAI does not restructure into a fully for-profit entity by December 31, 2025. Currently, OpenAI operates under a capped-profit model, introduced in 2019, which limits investor profits beyond a certain threshold, with excess revenue reinvested into research.
