Source: Fortune
Summary
OpenAI paused new sign-ups for its $200-per-month ChatGPT Pro plan due to high demand for Astra, a new model that strains the company’s compute capacity. The pause affects the most expensive tier, which offers 20 times the usage of the lower plan. OpenAI said it is working to add more capacity. Astra’s “computer use” feature allows it to interact with desktops at superhuman speed, leading to faster usage of user allowances. The company previously paused sign-ups in 2023 after a surge in demand.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
OpenAI paused Pro tier sign-ups for Astra.
Demand outpaced compute capacity.
Model’s “computer use” feature strains systems.
Capacity expansion plans are in motion.
Author: Evan Null
OpenAI’s Capacity Crisis
OpenAI faced a sudden surge in demand for its new Astra model, forcing the company to pause new sign-ups for its most expensive ChatGPT Pro plan. The model, which allows AI to interact with desktops like a human, has proven to be more resource-intensive than previous versions. This has led to a strain on OpenAI’s compute infrastructure, prompting the temporary halt.
Previous Capacity Issues
This is not the first time OpenAI has had to pause sign-ups due to capacity constraints. In 2023, after a developer conference, the company temporarily halted access to its $20-per-month ChatGPT Plus plan. At the time, CEO Sam Altman cited the need to ensure a good user experience amid a surge in demand.
Compute Growth and Expansion
Since 2023, OpenAI has significantly increased its compute capacity, from 0.2 gigawatts to 1.9 gigawatts. The company has also expanded beyond Microsoft Azure, partnering with CoreWeave and launching Stargate, a $500 billion infrastructure project. These moves aim to keep up with growing demand for AI services.
Future Capacity Plans
OpenAI has lined up new compute capacity for the second half of 2026. This includes 10 gigawatts of Nvidia systems, a 6-gigawatt AMD GPU agreement, and a Broadcom partnership for custom AI accelerators. These investments are meant to support the company’s growing user base and the increasing complexity of its models.
Industry Concerns
Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the AI industry’s reliance on compute power. Hardware like GPUs can depreciate quickly, and there are fears of a potential AI bubble burst that could leave excess capacity. OpenAI’s current pause reflects the challenges of scaling AI services while maintaining performance and user satisfaction.
