OpenAI Begins Gradual Release of Astra to ChatGPT Plus Subscribers

OpenAI has started deploying its latest flagship model, known as ChatGPT Astra, to customers paying for the $20 Plus tier.

Astra appears first in ChatGPT Work. The phased rollout means the model reportedly surfaces inside the Work environment ahead of the standard Chat interface. One Plus subscriber already sees Astra listed in the Work model selector while the regular picker still omits it.

Those with Plus access who have not yet encountered Astra in ordinary Chat should examine the Work section.

OpenAI confirmed the phased availability. The company earlier announced that "GPT-6 Astra is now available to all Pro, Enterprise, and Business Premium users in ChatGPT Work and Codex. It's also live in the API."

"It might take a few days to roll out to our Plus and Business users," OpenAI wrote in a post on X.

No extra subscription is required. Usage of Astra falls within the existing limits of a ChatGPT Plus plan. Anyone requiring greater capacity can buy additional credits.

Astra targets complex professional tasks. The model is built for computer use, browsing, coding, science, cybersecurity, and extended professional assignments. OpenAI says it is significantly better than GPT-5.6 Sol at maintaining context during complex work.

Free-user access remains unclear. The company has given no indication of whether Astra will reach free users or on what timeline. Free accounts continue to rely on GPT-5.6 Sol and GPT-5.