Sam Altman Confirms Paid ChatGPT Features | OpenAI Eyes $10B Chip Deal

Altman Outlines Paid Features

On Sunday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed that some upcoming ChatGPT features will only be available to paying users. The reason, he explained, is the high compute costs required to run these advanced tools.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Altman revealed that OpenAI is preparing to launch "new compute-intensive offerings." These features will be restricted to Pro subscribers at first, while entirely new products may carry additional fees.

Over the next few weeks, we are launching some new compute-intensive offerings. Because of the associated costs, some features will initially only be available to Pro subscribers, and some new products will have additional fees.

Our intention remains to drive the cost of…

— Sam Altman (@sama) September 21, 2025

AI Bubble Concerns

Altman’s statement came just days after OpenAI Chairman Bret Taylor compared the current AI boom to the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s.

Taylor agreed with Altman’s earlier remarks that while valuations may look overheated, durable companies like Amazon and Google emerged from the internet crash — and the same could happen in AI.

OpenAI’s Push Into Chips

The conversation around costs and compute power also ties into OpenAI’s bigger plans. Reports suggest the company is moving to reduce its dependence on Nvidia (NVDA) by investing in custom AI chips.

• OpenAI is reportedly working with Broadcom (AVGO) on proprietary chip production.

• A $10 billion supply agreement is already in place, with mass production expected to begin next year.

• Broadcom CEO Hock Tan confirmed on an earnings call that the deal had generated “immediate and fairly substantial demand” for its semiconductors.

This move indicates that OpenAI is building long-term infrastructure to support compute-heavy innovations, while also working to make AI more cost-efficient for users.

What It Means for Users

• Free users may not see these advanced features at launch.

• Pro subscribers will likely get early or exclusive access.

• Some tools may come with extra charges, even for Pro users.

Over time, OpenAI’s goal remains to lower costs and expand access, but in the near term, premium pricing will shape how fast users experience cutting-edge AI features.