OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Go Globally: New $8 Tier Aims for Universal AI Access
To support the commitment of keeping AI accessible and affordable, OpenAI revealed plans to begin testing ads in the US for both the free tier and ChatGPT Go.
RMN Digital AI Desk
New Delhi | January 17, 2026
SAN FRANCISCO – On January 16, 2026, OpenAI announced the global availability of ChatGPT Go, a low-cost subscription tier designed to bring advanced AI features to a wider audience. Initially introduced in India in August 2025, the plan has rapidly expanded to 170 countries, becoming the company’s fastest-growing subscription model to date.
A New Mid-Tier Option
Starting today, ChatGPT Go is rolling out to all regions where ChatGPT is available. In the United States, the service is priced at $8 per month, offering a more affordable alternative to the premium tiers. This launch completes a three-tier global subscription structure:
- ChatGPT Go: $8/month
- ChatGPT Plus: $20/month
- ChatGPT Pro: $200/month
Features and Performance
ChatGPT Go is specifically built for users who require more than the free version offers but at a lower price point than the professional models. Subscribers gain access to the GPT-5.2 Instant model, which includes 10 times more messages, file uploads, and image creation capabilities than the free tier. Additionally, Go users benefit from a longer memory and context window, allowing the AI to retain more helpful details over time.
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In comparison, the ChatGPT Plus tier ($20) is designed for deeper reasoning and research using the GPT-5.2 Thinking model and the Codex coding agent. For power users, ChatGPT Pro ($200) offers the most powerful GPT-5.2 Pro model with maximum memory and early access to new features.
The Introduction of Advertisements
To support the commitment of keeping AI accessible and affordable, OpenAI revealed plans to begin testing ads in the US for both the free tier and ChatGPT Go. The company emphasized that higher-end subscriptions, including Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise, will remain entirely ad-free.
Expanding Daily Utility
OpenAI noted that in early markets, users have heavily adopted ChatGPT Go for everyday tasks such as writing, learning, image creation, and problem-solving. This momentum served as the primary driver for the worldwide rollout. Beyond this launch, OpenAI continues to expand its reach into specialized fields, having recently introduced “OpenAI for Healthcare” and “ChatGPT Health” earlier this month.
