OpenAI fans, brace yourselves – a new chapter for ChatGPT is on the horizon with the introduction of 'ChatGPT Adult.' This move signals a significant shift as the platform seeks to tailor experiences based on user age, ushering in a more mature mode for those above the legal age limit. But what does this mean for users?
The tech company has revealed its plan for an age-verified adult mode designed to relax content restrictions for adult users, while maintaining stringent controls for minors. According to OpenAI, the premise is straightforward: adults deserve a different experience than children when engaging with AI.
The buzz around Adult Mode started in October, and now there's a clearer picture of its timeline. OpenAI is targeting an early 2026 release, subject to the successful implementation of technical safeguards. CEO of Applications Fidji Simo emphasized that the launch depends heavily on the reliability of age verification systems, suggesting the release could be delayed if these systems aren't up to par.
“Our priority is ensuring the safety and reliability of age verification before Adult Mode becomes available,” Simo noted.
Initially, the United States is expected to be the first market to access this feature, potentially limited to paid subscribers, although final pricing hasn't been detailed.
OpenAI is stepping up its game with advanced AI-driven age checks, moving away from the outdated self-reporting methods. This new system aims to gauge user age through in-app behavior and signals, focusing on preventing minors from posing as adults. The goal is simple – only verified adults would gain access to the more liberal Adult Mode features.
Sam Altman, OpenAI's figurehead, has hinted at the types of content that might become available, including "flirtatious conversations and even erotica" for verified adults, aligning ChatGPT with other platforms like Grok that permit NSFW content. Meanwhile, safeguards for minors will remain as strict as ever.
This pivot towards an adult-specific mode stems from feedback following recent model changes. Users felt the removal of GPT-4o in favor of GPT-5 altered the conversational quality they enjoyed, and Adult Mode may be OpenAI's way of addressing these concerns without compromising the safety of younger users.
Once launched, verified users can expect a new level of interaction on ChatGPT, while minors will continue engaging with a version that prioritizes safety and appropriateness. Though specific launch dates remain unconfirmed beyond early 2026, anticipation is steadily building.