ChatGPT Adult Mode to Launch in 2026

ChatGPT’s adult mode, first hinted at by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in October, is reportedly set to roll out in early 2026. This mode aims to provide users above the legal age with access to more explicit AI chatbot use cases. Its release depends on OpenAI successfully implementing an AI-powered age verification system to ensure only adults can access the content.

OpenAI Applications CEO Fidji Simo confirmed that the adult mode could arrive in the first quarter of 2026, joining other AI platforms that offer NSFW content. The company is testing custom large language models (LLMs) to estimate user age based on in-app activity and other signals, aiming to prevent teenagers from misidentifying as adults. The feature is expected to be initially available in the US and only for paid subscribers.

Altman had previously mentioned new adult-exclusive features, possibly including flirtatious or erotica-style interactions for verified adults. This announcement follows user dissatisfaction over the removal of the GPT-4o model after GPT-5's release, as the former was considered more conversational and “human-like.”