A new beta update to the ChatGPT Android app has hinted at a potential shift in OpenAI’s image generation policy. An AI researcher, @btibor91, discovered a watermark reference labeled “image-gen-watermark-for-free” in version 1.2025.091, possibly signaling that watermarks may soon be applied to AI-generated images—specifically for free-tier users.
This means while Studio Ghibli-style images and other AI artwork can still be created, free users may only be able to download watermarked versions.
Subscribe to Remove Watermarks?
According to the leak, Plus subscribers might be spared from the watermark restriction. However, OpenAI hasn’t confirmed this update yet, so the plan could change. As of now, there’s no official statement, but if implemented, it would align with OpenAI’s move to offer more premium features behind a paywall.
Free for Students & New Tools on the Horizon
In another development, OpenAI is reportedly planning to make ChatGPT free for college students in the US and Canada. Alongside this initiative, a few new tools may also be introduced. These include:
- Structured Thoughts
- Reasoning Recap
- CoT Search Tool
- Tool tagged as “l1239dk1”
Again, these tools are not yet confirmed by OpenAI and may still be in the experimental stage.
GPT-5 Coming, But o3 and o4-mini First
While everyone’s waiting for GPT-5, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that two intermediate models—O3 and o4-mini—will arrive in a few weeks. GPT-5, however, is scheduled to be released in the following months. Altman emphasized that the delay is actually allowing the team to significantly improve GPT-5 compared to initial expectations.
ChatGPT’s Visual Feature Is Booming in India
Since the April 1 launch of image generation in ChatGPT 4o, over 700 million images have been created. OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap called it a “crazy first week,” adding that India has become their fastest-growing marketwith 130 million users engaging with the visual features.
