OpenAI may be preparing to diversify its ChatGPT subscription model beyond the standard monthly offering. Hidden code in recent versions of the ChatGPT app, uncovered by users and verified by Android Authority, suggests that the company is exploring additional subscription tiers—specifically weekly, annual, and even lifetime options.
These references have yet to be officially announced, and there’s no indication of when—or if—they’ll go live. However, offering more flexible pricing could help OpenAI convert more free-tier users into paying customers, especially as the cost of running powerful AI systems continues to climb. Currently, ChatGPT Plus is available for $20 per month, while the more robust Pro plan costs $200 monthly.
Among the potential new options, a weekly subscription might be particularly appealing for users who need AI support for short-term projects or creative tasks. A lifetime plan, while rare in today’s software-as-a-service landscape, would represent a bold move—especially given the ongoing costs of maintaining high-performance AI infrastructure. With unpredictable hardware demands and constant model updates, pricing such an offer would be challenging.
The discovery comes as OpenAI continues to push monetization efforts. In addition to paid plans, the company recently expanded its shopping features in ChatGPT, allowing users to get product recommendations and, in some cases, facilitating purchases in exchange for affiliate revenue.
While these in-app code hints are not a guarantee of upcoming changes, they signal OpenAI’s broader strategy to make ChatGPT a more profitable platform amid rising operational costs. Whether more flexible subscriptions ultimately lead to broader adoption—or raise new questions about long-term value—remains to be seen.
