OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Pro, a $200-per-month subscription plan aimed at power users of its AI chatbot platform. The new tier offers unlimited access to OpenAI’s models, including the latest version of its advanced reasoning model, o1, which provides enhanced capabilities for coding, math, and complex tasks.

During a press conference, Jason Wei, a technical staff member at OpenAI, described ChatGPT Pro as ideal for users pushing the platform to its limits. The o1 model, designed for “reasoning” tasks, employs a method of self-checking as it works through problems, improving accuracy but increasing response times.

The latest version of o1 surpasses its preview in performance, speed, and accuracy. It now supports image uploads and has been optimized for concise reasoning. OpenAI reports a 34% reduction in major errors on challenging questions compared to the preview version. However, o1 still lags behind the preview on certain benchmarks like MLE-Bench, which evaluates AI performance in machine learning engineering.

Subscribers to ChatGPT Pro gain access to an enhanced “o1 Pro Mode,” which uses additional computational power for more accurate responses to complex queries. OpenAI claims this mode significantly reduces errors in areas like programming and data science.

While all paid ChatGPT users can access the standard o1 model, Pro subscribers receive exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to GPT-4o and Advanced Voice Mode for human-like conversations. OpenAI also plans to expand o1’s functionality with features like web browsing and file uploads in the coming months.

The $200 monthly price tag makes ChatGPT Pro OpenAI’s costliest offering, a steep jump from the $20-per-month ChatGPT Plus. To attract high-value users, OpenAI announced a grant program, offering free subscriptions to select medical researchers and professionals in other disciplines.

This premium launch comes as OpenAI faces financial pressures, with reported annual losses of $5 billion despite $300 million in monthly revenue. ChatGPT remains a significant revenue driver, boasting over 300 million weekly active users, 10 million of whom are paying subscribers.

The move aligns with OpenAI’s strategy to offset costs while meeting the demands of its most dedicated users. However, the high price may deter all but the most committed from upgrading.