OpenAI has temporarily paused new subscriptions for its $200-per-month Pro plan after intense demand for its latest model, Astra, placed added pressure on the company's systems.
The update was shared by product leader Thibault "Tibo" Sottiaux, who said the Pro tier is the most resource-intensive plan, prompting the company to stop new sign-ups for now. He noted that OpenAI is aiming to preserve broad access while keeping service stable for current users.
Other offerings, including the API and the lower-priced Go and Plus plans, remain available. OpenAI had already signaled that demand for Astra was unusually high, describing the rollout as unlike anything it had seen before.
Launched on September 3, Astra is being introduced across Pro, Plus, Enterprise, and Business accounts. The model is designed to advance AI reasoning, coding, and computer use, reinforcing OpenAI's position in a fast-moving field. The company has not said how long the pause will last.
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