Running ChatGPT (GPT-5) on an iPhone
ChatGPT remains the world’s most popular AI chatbot, but recent trends show shifts in user habits. According to The Information, OpenAI recently told investors that in-app usage dipped slightly after the company introduced new content restrictions in August. These changes brought parental controls and made it harder for teenagers to discuss self-harm or access adult content with ChatGPT. OpenAI also plans to roll out age verification features, allowing users to confirm their age before accessing sensitive topics—including adult content, like erotica.
Why Usage Is Changing
Reports preceding these changes described adults forming romantic connections with ChatGPT—even when they fully understood they were chatting with artificial intelligence. OpenAI’s approach mirrors industry trends, as other tech companies like Google also implement age verification for major services such as YouTube.
OpenAI’s Path Forward
CEO Sam Altman recently confirmed that age verification is arriving in December, although details remain scarce. The feature might be voluntary, but the specifics are still unclear. OpenAI’s goal is to give adults more freedom while protecting minors, ensuring ChatGPT remains safe for everyone.
ChatGPT’s Role and Growth
Adult content isn’t the heart of ChatGPT’s capabilities, but relaxing content guidelines could help OpenAI retain users and drive future growth. As of July, 35 million people subscribed to ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) or Pro ($200/month), equating to 5% of the user base. OpenAI aims to boost this figure to 8.6% by 2030—with a projected 220 million paying users out of 2.6 billion weekly active users worldwide.
Free vs. Premium Features
Even without a subscription, ChatGPT offers advanced AI models, web search, and image creation. Premium subscribers get higher usage limits, access to additional features, and more frequent updates. The chatbot helps with research, shopping, coding, and even building custom chatbots—all while following existing content guidelines. However, some users want capabilities, such as erotica, that require age verification for responsible access.
What’s Next for ChatGPT?
Although OpenAI hasn’t revealed exactly how age verification will work, the December timeline could tie into holiday announcements. Last year, OpenAI launched the “12 Days of OpenAI,” unveiling new features each day leading up to Christmas. A similar event could be on the horizon, bringing more updates and perhaps more clarity on the road ahead.
