OpenAI Revamps Subscriptions and Launches Lower-Cost GPT-6.1 Sol Model at DevDay

OpenAI has been a major player in the AI space, frequently updating its models and subscription services to meet changing demand. Earlier in September, the company paused new signups for its $200 Pro plan, citing high demand and usage pressures. This move left many users waiting for access while rumors circulated about upcoming changes.

Heading into its annual DevDay in San Francisco, OpenAI teased a significant number of announcements. The company signaled that it was prepared to shake up both its subscription offerings and its model lineup in response to market pressures and growing competition.

On September 29, 2026, OpenAI officially reopened the Pro $200 subscription, but with a major change: the included usage was cut in half, impacting how much users could get for their money. This adjustment came after a brief suspension of new Pro signups earlier in the month, which had frustrated some customers.

At the same DevDay event, OpenAI revealed a new $500-per-month subscription tier. This plan targets users who need even higher speeds or more advanced features, reflecting the company's push to serve both individual professionals and larger teams.

A headline announcement was the launch of GPT-6.1 Sol, a new mid-range AI model. Sol offers performance close to the previous flagship, Astra, but at just one-fifth the price. OpenAI decided to shelve the planned GPT-6 Astra model, citing frequent instruction failures and safety concerns. Instead, Sol is now positioned as the top option for most users.

The DevDay event also introduced several new features, including shared workspaces for teams, integration with platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams, and new AI agents called 'Dots' that can handle tasks and communications.

OpenAI's rapid shift from Astra to Sol, and its overhaul of subscription plans, reflect ongoing attempts to balance safety, affordability, and competitiveness in the fast-moving AI market.

As of now, OpenAI's Pro $200 plan is available again, but with reduced usage limits. The new $500 tier caters to power users and businesses needing faster performance or higher capacity. GPT-6.1 Sol has become the main model for most users, offering strong performance at a much lower price point than previous flagships.

The company appears focused on expanding access while responding to concerns about AI safety and responsible deployment. With new collaborative tools and AI agents, OpenAI is also moving deeper into team productivity and enterprise solutions.

Key questions remain about how users will respond to the halved usage in the Pro plan and whether the new $500 tier will attract enough demand. Industry watchers are also looking to see how GPT-6.1 Sol performs in real-world use and if safety concerns around more advanced models like Astra will shape future releases.