On August 6, 2026, OpenAI announced changes to ChatGPT that adjust the behavior of GPT-5.6 models across different user tiers and expand access for free users.
Improvements to GPT-5.6 Sol
OpenAI said GPT-5.6 Sol has been tuned for typical ChatGPT use, aiming to produce more focused answers, adapt detail to the user’s question, and avoid unnecessary formatting. The company said the same model now powers both Instant responses and deeper reasoning for Plus and Pro users, creating a single, more consistent experience.
OpenAI described the updated model as better at prioritizing the main answer first, trimming extraneous detail, and updating recommendations when users provide follow-ups. In an internal evaluation of financial, medical, and legal prompts that require factual precision, OpenAI reported responses with at least one factual error were about 62% less common with GPT-5.6 Luna and 68% less common with GPT-5.6 Sol compared with GPT-5.5 Instant.
Access, controls and availability
Plus and Pro users can access the updated GPT-5.6 Sol and a new slider—available on web, mobile, and desktop—that lets users choose how much thinking time the model should spend on a response. OpenAI said this slider adjusts effort for tasks such as planning, research, writing, coding, or complex decisions.
Free and Go users will see GPT-5.6 Luna become the default model this week, OpenAI stated. Starting next week, OpenAI said Free users will receive unlimited text chats and access to a new Think button that gives GPT-5.6 Luna additional time for harder questions, subject to abuse guardrails. File uploads, images and other tool limits remain in place.
OpenAI also noted that the version of GPT-5.6 Sol optimized for everyday chats will only be available in the Chat experience; its Sol variants powering Work and Codex will not change under this release. The company described additional safety training and system-level protections intended for users believed to be under 18, including age-appropriate boundaries and new evaluations for those scenarios.
OpenAI framed the rollout as widening access to its latest models while attempting to improve factual reliability and consistency across quick and more effortful interactions. Availability timelines: Plus and Pro users get the Sol update and slider starting today; GPT-5.6 Luna becomes default for Free and Go users this week, with unlimited text chats and the Think button arriving next week.
Original source: OpenAI News