ChatGPT, OpenAI’s groundbreaking AI chatbot, has rapidly become a global phenomenon since its launch in November 2022. What began as a productivity tool for writing and coding has evolved into a dominant force with 300 million weekly active users. 2024 marked a pivotal year for OpenAI, with strategic partnerships, including Apple Intelligence, the release of GPT-4o with voice capabilities, and the highly anticipated Sora text-to-video model. However, the company also faced internal turmoil, including the departure of key executives and legal challenges related to copyright infringement and antitrust concerns.
As OpenAI navigates a competitive landscape, particularly against emerging Chinese rivals like DeepSeek, it continues to strengthen its position in Washington while pursuing ambitious data center projects and securing funding for future growth. The following timeline details ChatGPT’s key updates and releases, reflecting its evolution and impact.
Recent Updates (November – September 2025)
November 2025: OpenAI released GPT-5.1, offering two models: “Instant” for conversational warmth and “Thinking” for persistent reasoning. Parental controls were also implemented following safety concerns. The company reached 1 million business clients in record time, with major companies like Amgen and Walmart integrating ChatGPT into their operations.
October 2025: Over a million users engaged in mental health-related conversations with ChatGPT weekly. OpenAI collaborated with Walmart to allow direct shopping through the chatbot. The app’s growth slowed slightly but remained dominant, averaging 8.1% month-over-month decline in new downloads.
September 2025: OpenAI introduced Pulse, a personalized morning briefing feature, and expanded ChatGPT Go to 16 more Asian countries at under $5 per month. The company also tightened safety controls for teen users amid legal pressures.
Key Developments (August – May 2025)
August 2025: OpenAI addressed safety concerns following a teen suicide lawsuit, implementing stronger parental controls. The company also rolled out GPT-5, a smarter, task-ready chatbot with improved reasoning and efficiency.
May 2025: OpenAI launched ChatGPT Enterprise for federal agencies at a subsidized rate of $1, and returned to open-source with new AI models. The company also integrated shopping directly into the chatbot, allowing users to browse and purchase products from major retailers.
Earlier Updates (April – January 2025)
April 2025: OpenAI introduced the Apps SDK, enabling developers to build interactive apps within ChatGPT. The company also launched Atlas, its AI-powered browser, positioning ChatGPT as a central hub for online browsing.
January 2025: OpenAI rolled out the ChatGPT Go plan in India at a competitive price point and continued to refine its AI models, focusing on improved reasoning and efficiency.
ChatGPT FAQs
What is ChatGPT? ChatGPT is an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, capable of generating human-like text, answering questions, and completing tasks.
How much does ChatGPT cost? ChatGPT offers a free version with limited features, as well as paid subscriptions like ChatGPT Plus and ChatGPT Go, which provide access to more advanced features and higher usage limits.
Is ChatGPT safe for children? OpenAI has implemented parental controls to restrict sensitive content and protect young users, but supervision is still recommended.
Looking Ahead
ChatGPT continues to evolve, driving innovation in AI and reshaping how people interact with technology. As OpenAI navigates legal challenges and competitive pressures, the chatbot remains a dominant force in the industry, with millions of active users and expanding applications across various sectors.
The future of ChatGPT will likely involve further integration into daily life, with more personalized features, enhanced safety measures, and continued collaboration with businesses and governments. As AI technology advances, ChatGPT will continue to play a central role in shaping the digital landscape
