The New York Times, citing internal OpenAI documents, reported that the company plans to increase the price of individual ChatGPT subscriptions from $20 per month to $22 per month by the end of this year. A more significant increase will occur over the next five years: by 2029, the ChatGPT Plus fee is projected to be $44 per month.

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ChatGPT currently costs $20 per month. Photo: Bloomberg

The plan reflects pressure from OpenAI's investors to reduce losses. According to the New York Times , although the company's monthly revenue reached $300 million in August, the startup predicts a loss of nearly $5 billion this year. Costs such as personnel, offices, and AI training infrastructure are the main reasons. ChatGPT alone was at one point costing $700,000 per day.

OpenAI could face backlash if it raises prices too drastically. Although ChatGPT has nearly 10 million paying users, surveys show that many believe the current price of $20 per month is too high.

According to CNBC , OpenAI's revenue in 2024 is projected to reach $3.7 billion. The $300 million in revenue in August represents a 1,700% increase year-to-date. In 2025, revenue could rise to $11.6 billion.

OpenAI is currently in a new funding round that could raise its valuation to over $150 billion. Trive Capital is leading the round and plans to invest $1 billion. Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar said the round is expected to close next week.

Over the past week, a number of key personnel at OpenAI have announced their departures, most notably Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, who left after 6.5 years with the company.

Also this week, news emerged that OpenAI's board of directors was considering restructuring into a for-profit business. The company would still maintain its non-profit division as a separate entity.

OpenAI's services have exploded since ChatGPT emerged in late 2022. The company sells licenses for various tools as well as large GPT language models. Operating such models requires massive investment in Nvidia graphics processors.

(According to CNBC, TechCrunch)