OpenAI Opens Up Its Flagship ChatGPT Astra to Plus Subscribers

OpenAI has started gradually rolling out ChatGPT Astra — the model the company calls its most powerful to date — to subscribers on the $20-a-month Plus plan. The fate of free users, however, remains unclear for now: no timeline has been announced for when they will get the new model.

First up — in the work section

The rollout is happening in waves, and, judging by the observations of a Bleeping Computer writer, Astra shows up first in the ChatGPT Work section and only later in the regular chat. On his Plus account the model was available specifically in Work, while it still wasn't in the standard model switcher. Hence a practical tip: if you have Plus but don't see Astra in the regular chat, it's worth checking the Work section.

OpenAI had previously confirmed plans to distribute the model to Plus users, noting that it wouldn't reach everyone at once. In a post on X, the company clarified: “GPT-6 Astra is now available to all Pro, Enterprise, and Business Premium users in ChatGPT Work and Codex. The model also works in the API.” According to OpenAI, the rollout for Plus and Business users may take several days.

No extra charge

An important point for subscribers: access to Astra is included in your current plan — there's no separate plan to buy. Usage fits within the subscription's existing limits, and for those who need more, the company will offer additional credits for purchase.

Astra is positioned as OpenAI's new flagship, built for working with a computer, web browsing, programming, scientific tasks, cybersecurity, and long-running professional workflows. The company specifically emphasizes that the model is noticeably better than its predecessor, GPT-5.6 Sol, at holding context throughout complex, multi-stage work.

While Astra is being rolled out to paid subscribers, OpenAI hasn't specified whether free users will get access to it, or to what extent. For now, they're left with GPT-5.6 Sol and GPT-5.

Source: Bleeping Computer