Overview
ChatGPT is an AI conversational assistant launched by OpenAI in November 2022, built on the GPT series of large language models. It was the first consumer-grade product to ignite the global AI craze, surpassing 100 million users within just two months of launch, and remains one of the most widely used AI tools worldwide.
ChatGPT supports multimodal capabilities including natural language conversation, text generation, code writing, data analysis, and image understanding and generation (via GPT-Image-2).
**Major Update: GPT-5.6 was fully released on July 9, 2026** (previously limited preview for 12 days starting June 26 due to U.S. government cybersecurity review). The new generation model comes in three tiers—flagship **Sol** ($5 input/$30 output per million tokens), balanced **Terra** ($2.5/$15), and lightweight **Luna** (lowest cost), officially positioned as "the most secure model to date." **The native agent ChatGPT Work was launched simultaneously**, and the standalone Codex coding tool was integrated into the unified ChatGPT desktop client, covering web, mobile, Windows, and macOS across all endpoints. GPT-5.6 is now the public flagship of ChatGPT, with GPT-5.5 moving to the sub-flagship tier.
Key Features
- GPT-5.6 Three-Tier Flagship (New): Full release on July 9, 2026, of Sol/Terra/Luna tiers, focusing on cybersecurity and deep reasoning, now the new flagship for the public version of ChatGPT
- ChatGPT Work + Codex Merger (New): New native agent ChatGPT Work launched, standalone Codex coding tool integrated into unified desktop client, synchronized across all endpoints
- Multimodal Conversation: Supports text, images, files, and voice input; can understand images, read PDFs, and analyze tables—a true "all-in-one assistant"
- Code Generation and Debugging: Proficient in mainstream languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL; can directly generate runnable code, as well as explain and refactor existing code
- GPT-Image-2 Image Generation: Generate images directly from natural language descriptions in conversation, with significantly better text rendering and consistency than the previous DALL·E
- Advanced Data Analysis: Upload CSV/Excel files to automatically write Python code for data cleaning, statistical analysis, and visualization
- GPTs / Workspace Agents: Individuals can customize GPTs; enterprise version upgraded to Workspace Agents supporting team collaboration and 24/7 asynchronous operation
- Web Search and Real-Time Information: Supports real-time web search for the latest information, overcoming the limitations of training data cutoff dates
Use Cases
- Professionals who need to quickly draft emails, reports, and proposals in daily work
- Developers and programmers needing code assistance and technical Q&A
- Students and researchers conducting paper searches, literature reviews, and translations
- Content creators writing copy, scripts, and marketing content
- Business analysts who need data analysis but are not familiar with programming
Pros
- Most mature ecosystem: Plugin store, GPTs, Workspace Agents, and API ecosystem are the most comprehensive among all AI assistants
- Leading multimodal capabilities: Text + images + files + voice + code + data analysis all in one
- GPT-5 mini free to use: Free tier offers access to the new generation model with a very low barrier to entry
- Fast response speed: GPT-5 series has low latency, with excellent conversational fluency among large models
- Largest global user community: Easy to find tutorials and solutions when encountering problems
Pricing
ChatGPT uses a freemium model. Free tier includes GPT-5 mini and limited GPT-5 usage; Plus at $20/month unlocks GPT-5.6 Terra/GPT-5.5 models, reasoning mode, GPT-Image-2 image generation, Sora 2 video (Plus tier quota), advanced data analysis, and ChatGPT Work; Pro at $200/month includes full GPT-5.6 Sol flagship quota, Sora 2 Pro, higher quotas and priority; Team at $25/person/month; Enterprise priced on request (SSO, compliance, audit). API pricing: Sol $5 input/$30 output per million tokens, Terra $2.5/$15, Luna lower.
Summary
ChatGPT is currently the leading AI conversational assistant in terms of comprehensive capabilities and ecosystem maturity, making it the "go-to first choice" for almost every AI user. **Starting July 9, 2026, GPT-5.6 (Sol/Terra/Luna) is fully and officially available**, ending the brief limited preview due to U.S. government security review. The simultaneous launch of ChatGPT Work agent and the integration of Codex into the unified client further strengthen office and programming scenarios. If you choose only one AI tool, ChatGPT is the safest bet—but if you are in mainland China, have high requirements for Chinese, or need ultra-long text processing, it is recommended to also consider complementary options like DeepSeek, Kimi, and Claude.
Version History
- OpenAI 在 ChatGPT 中正式推出广告服务 (2026-07-21): OpenAI has launched native advertising services in ChatGPT, allowing advertisers to place relevant ads when users explore options, compare choices, and make decisions. Ads are clearly labeled within the experience and distinguished from responses, with initial advertisers including Best Buy, Lowe's, and VistaPrint. Advertisers can create campaigns, set budgets, and optimize performance through Ads Manager.
- ChatGPT 向美国用户推出健康功能 (2026-07-23): OpenAI announced the launch of ChatGPT health features for US users, supporting secure connections to Apple Health and supported medical records. With 300 million users weekly using ChatGPT for health consultations, the new features enable ChatGPT to understand personal health context, track changes, and provide more personalized assistance.
- ChatGPT 桌面版上线语音控制多智能体 (2026-07-23): ChatGPT voice feature is now available on the desktop app. Simply use your voice to control your computer and direct multiple agents running in ChatGPT Work or Codex. This feature is powered by GPT-Live, enabling it to speak, listen, and coordinate tasks simultaneously within the app. Starting today, it is being rolled out globally to Plus, Pro, Business, Edu, and Enterprise plan users on macOS and Windows platforms.
- Desktop Voice Control Multi-Agent + Native Ads (2026-07-23): Desktop version launches GPT-Live-driven voice control, allowing voice commands for multiple agents in ChatGPT Work/Codex, fully rolled out to Plus/Pro/Business; July 21 officially launches ChatGPT native advertising service, with initial advertisers Best Buy, Lowe's, VistaPrint
- GPT-5.6 Full Release + ChatGPT Work (2026/07/09): Ends 12-day limited preview; Sol/Terra/Luna tiers fully available; ChatGPT Work native agent launched, Codex integrated into unified desktop client
- GPT-5.6 Limited Preview (2026/06/26): Due to U.S. government cybersecurity review, initially limited preview only for trusted partners