“Sadly you don’t know how to launch in India”: OpenAI debuts ChatGPT Go at under $5/month to promote affordability, but reactions are mixed

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Over the last few weeks, OpenAI has been particularly active, notably with the debut of GPT-5. However, it appears that users were disappointed due to a significant shift in its personality following the deprecation of earlier models such as GPT-4o and restrictive character limitations.

Last week, one of the leading AI companies adjusted its pricing structure, introducing a fresh subscription option called ChatGPT Move. It’s important to mention that this new ChatGPT subscription level is only accessible in certain areas, such as India, and it will be priced at 399 Indian Rupees monthly, which approximately equals $5 US dollars.

The newly introduced subscription option provides a balanced choice for users seeking additional benefits from ChatGPT beyond the free version, yet not quite needing the extensive features that come with the Plus or Pro plans.

User-friendly interface: The platform is designed to be easy to use and navigate for people of all ages and technical backgrounds.
The platform is designed to be accessible to individuals who speak multiple languages, making it possible for people around the world to communicate effectively.
ChatGPT Go takes user privacy seriously, implementing robust security measures to protect personal information and ensure a safe online environment for all users.

  • Access to OpenAI’s new flagship model GPT-5.
  • Expanded messaging and uploads.
  • Expanded image creation
  • Limited deep research
  • Longer memory and context
  • Extended advanced data analysis

Earlier this week, OpenAI unveiled the launch of ChatGPT Go in India, with CEO Sam Altman expressing optimism about what’s to come. He further stated, “Excited to bring ChatGPT at a more budget-friendly price point for Indian users initially, and using their feedback to broaden its availability across other countries.

* Message limits increased by 10 times
* Image generation capacity boosted by 10 times
* File uploads expanded by 10 times
* Twice the memory length compared to our free tier

And the best part? It’s all yours for just Rs. 399 🇮🇳 as of August 19, 2025!

It appears that many users are not excited about OpenAI’s decision to extend ChatGPT’s paid subscription plans to more regions. Yet, it’s not the geographical expansion per se that seems to bother the users.

As a tech-savvy individual, I recently stumbled upon an exciting announcement on X (previously known as Twitter). A user revealed that there’s been a new release for harvesting Indian memory cores in massive quantities.

Additionally, the same user suggested an intriguing perspective about ChatGPT Go. Instead of being a subscription plan, they referred to it as a “soul funnel,” which certainly piqued my curiosity!

On the flip side, many users expressed joy upon the introduction of ChatGPT Go in India, praising OpenAI for their efforts to cater to diverse requirements globally.

Initially, when OpenAI unveiled GPT-5, they declared their intention to phase out its forerunners. However, after facing criticism from users, they reconsidered this decision, stating that the predecessors had adversely affected the quality of interactions on ChatGPT.

The AI company plans to incorporate the friendly aspect of GPT-4 into its upcoming GPT-5, given the massive demand and positive user feedback. However, until then, users can still access the model, though it’s hidden behind a $20/month ChatGPT Plus membership.

ChatGPT Go’s scam and affordability concerns

According to a user on X:

Is it reasonable to expect a significant number of people in India would pay 399 Rupees per month for ChatGPT Go when many don’t subscribe to the YouTube Premium Family Plan at 299 Rupees per month? Given your advanced AI capabilities, it seems surprising that this idea was considered feasible. Frankly, I find it hard to believe.

It seems surprising that someone would think people in India would pay 399 rupees per month for ChatGPT Go subscription, given that many Indians do not subscribe to the YouTube Premium Family Plan costing 299 rupees per month. Considering the AI and insights at your disposal, it’s hard to believe this plan was considered viable. Frankly, it sounds rather amusing. (August 19, 2025)

In response to Sam Altman’s post on X, the comment drew criticism. People argued that the user’s information was incorrect and the assertion lacked foundation. Some went as far as saying they knew associates and students who were subscribed to more costly subscription plans such as ChatGPT Plus.

Some critics pointed out missed opportunities in OpenAI’s marketing strategy for ChatGPT Go, suggesting that if they had launched it on August 15th with a patriotic message like ‘Jai Hind’, sales could have been significantly higher. Unfortunately, it seems they lacked the expertise to effectively launch the product in India.

Another perspective raised by users is that ChatGPT Go could potentially arm unscrupulous individuals and fraudsters with advanced technology, enabling them to further sophisticate their deceptive strategies against unaware users. Translated more conversationaly, one user expressed it as, “This is a global concern, essentially providing powerful AI tools to those who intend to scam the world more effectively.

Although it’s currently trending on social networks and has stirred up both curiosity and apprehension, it’s unclear what impact the introduction of this new subscription model will have on our society, as its long-term effects are yet to unfold.

How do you feel about OpenAI introducing an affordable ChatGPT Go subscription in India? I’d be interested to hear your opinions below.

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2025-08-20 23:40