OpenAI releases free version of GPT-5: 3 new features you can use right away.
OpenAI has released GPT-5 for free to users with a series of attractive upgrades: improved writing, natural-sounding voice, and customizable interface colors.
Quick summary:
GPT-5 is now officially available to users free of charge, replacing GPT-40.
Three standout features you can experience right away: smoother typing, more natural-sounding voice conversations, and customizable chat interface colors.
Some advanced features, such as Sora or GPT-5 Pro, are still only available to paying users.
At the latest GPT-5 launch event, OpenAI not only showcased groundbreaking features but also surprised everyone by announcing that GPT-5 will be available to users for free. This move suggests that GPT-40 has almost officially retired.
Without paying, you can still experience many valuable improvements, from enhanced writing capabilities to a customizable interface with personalized colors. Here are three features worth trying today.
1. Writing improvements
GPT-5 offers clearer, more fluid, and more expressive writing compared to previous versions. Free users will have access to GPT-5 until they reach their daily usage limit, after which ChatGPT will revert to the lighter version, GPT-5 mini.
If you're a content writer, email responder, or need AI to present ideas coherently, this upgrade is a huge advantage and completely free.
2. ChatGPT Voice
Now, free users can also chat with ChatGPT using voice with significantly improved quality. The old “Voice Mode” feature will be discontinued on September 9, 2025, and all users will switch to “ChatGPT Voice,” the new, more natural and intelligent version.
You can chat hands-free with AI via the mobile app, for longer periods than before. The voice responses are now more flexible, easier to listen to, and feel more "personal" than ever.
3. Change the interface color.
For the first time, ChatGPT allows users to customize the chat interface colors. Instead of just a light/dark or system interface, you can now choose accent colors for speech bubbles and highlighted text.
While not a technical feature, this is an exciting step forward in personalizing the AI experience, something users have always wanted.
Although the free version is significantly upgraded, some features are still limited:
Sora: An AI-powered video creation tool, available only to Plus or Pro plan users.
ChatGPT Agent: The advanced automated task processing feature is also locked for free users.
GPT-5 Pro: Exclusively for Pro users.
However, the core of GPT-5 can still be experienced without spending a single penny.
