The Digital Press

OpenAI's launch of GPT-5 marks a shift toward restricting user access and features, pushing higher-tier subscriptions while simplifying model choices for most users. This move reflects a broader trend in generative AI companies prioritizing profitability over user flexibility.

Why it matters: OpenAI limits free and lower-tier users to fewer models, pushing advanced features to costly subscriptions, impacting user experience.

The big picture: The AI industry faces "enshittification," where rising costs force companies to cut features and increase prices, risking user dissatisfaction.

The stakes: Developers and consumers face reduced access and higher fees, potentially stalling innovation and adoption amid growing financial pressures.

Commenters say: Many express frustration over lost model options and perceive GPT-5 as a downgrade, calling the changes a bait-and-switch by OpenAI.