OpenAI caps shared usage for ChatGPT and Codex as funding goals shrink

New shared usage limits

OpenAI has announced a new structure for how users consume its AI services. Starting December 31, the company will implement a shared usage limit that covers both ChatGPT and Codex. This change is designed to integrate the features of different tools into a more unified experience for paying subscribers.

The new rules specifically apply to users on the Plus, Pro, and Business plans. Under this system, activities performed in Codex, which is the company's AI agent for coding, will now draw from the same remaining balance as standard ChatGPT conversations. This creates a unified cap on how much of the underlying technology a user can access in a given period.

However, not all interactions will be subject to this new limit. The company clarified that chats conducted in 'Instant' mode will not draw from the shared allowance. Instant is OpenAI's fast-response model intended for everyday queries, suggesting that the new limits are primarily aimed at more complex tasks like coding or deep research.

Tightening the fee structure

This shift in usage limits comes at a time when the economics of AI are becoming more difficult to manage. According to a report from Axios, the price of AI tokens—the basic units of text processed by these models—has seen a significant decline. Prices dropped to roughly $0.59 per million tokens as of October 20, which represents a 35% decrease since the end of June.

While the costs of running these models are falling, OpenAI is still looking for ways to ensure sustainable monetization. By combining the usage limits of its primary software products, the company can more effectively manage its resources. This move is part of a broader effort to integrate 'Work,' an AI agent designed for multi-step professional tasks, into the main ChatGPT interface.

The company is also navigating a cooling environment for AI investment. Recent market trends have caused a sharp correction in tech stocks linked to artificial intelligence. As investors become more skeptical about the immediate returns on massive AI spending, OpenAI is being forced to tighten its fee structure and manage its growth more conservatively.

Shrinking funding and IPO hurdles

The operational changes at OpenAI are happening against a backdrop of shifting financial goals. Reports from CNBC and The Financial Times indicate that OpenAI has slashed its target for an ongoing private funding round. The goal was originally set at $30 billion but has been reduced to $20 billion as some investors have decided to reduce their allocations.

This reduction highlights the growing difficulty of securing massive capital for AI labs. While OpenAI is still preparing for a potential public offering, it faces a competitive landscape. Its rival, Anthropic, is moving toward an initial public offering (IPO) and has already made its filing public, potentially making it the first major AI-focused company to list.

The atmosphere for these IPOs is complicated by the recent selloff in AI-linked stocks. Investors are increasingly demanding to see clear paths to profitability from the heavy investments made in the sector. OpenAI's move to consolidate its tools and manage usage limits reflects a pivot toward protecting its margins as it prepares for these high-stakes financial milestones.

Global expansion and policy

While OpenAI manages its internal finances, it is also actively seeking new business partnerships and political alignment. CEO Sam Altman recently made an unannounced visit to South Korea to meet with executives from Samsung. He also reportedly held talks with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won to discuss how AI can impact corporate decision-making and operations.

These meetings underscore the company's focus on integrating AI into the infrastructure of major global corporations. By building relationships with hardware and electronics giants, OpenAI aims to secure its place in the global supply chain. These discussions are a key part of the company's strategy to find new revenue streams as the domestic market matures.

Simultaneously, OpenAI is preparing for a shift in the U.S. political landscape. The company is reportedly planning a major policy and PR blitz to align with new lawmakers. This includes a specific effort to rebrand data centers as 'AI compute campuses.' This branding move is intended to frame the company's infrastructure needs in a way that resonates with upcoming legislative priorities.