OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced on March 26, 2025, that the rollout of ChatGPT’s new AI image features for free users will be delayed due to unexpectedly high demand. "Images in ChatGPT are wayyyy more popular than we expected (and we had pretty high expectations)," Altman stated in a post on X. The announcement follows the launch of GPT-4o's native image generation capabilities, which allow users to upload and modify images. Initially, the feature was only available to subscribers of ChatGPT Pro, Plus, and Teams.
On March 25, 2025, OpenAI revealed the new image generation features, which have quickly gained traction, particularly the ability to create images in the beloved Studio Ghibli style. This capability has become a sensation among users, allowing them to stylize images using simple prompts. Even those using free accounts can engage with the platform by signing in with a Google ID or creating a new OpenAI account.
While ChatGPT has long been recognized for its advanced communication abilities, the recent GPT-4o update highlights its expanding role in image generation. Users are reporting that the new AI art model is not only capable of generating images but doing so with a level of sophistication that has surprised many. The model can interpret prompts ranging from simple to complex, generating everything from realistic images to comic strips.
However, the rapid rise in popularity of these features has not come without controversy. The ability of GPT-4o to replicate the distinct Studio Ghibli art style has sparked discussions about copyright and artistic integrity. Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary director behind Studio Ghibli, has previously expressed disdain for AI-generated art, calling it "an awful insult to life" when he was shown a demo of an AI tool capable of creating art similar to that of human artists.
Despite these concerns, users have embraced the new capabilities. Many have taken to social media to share their Ghibli-style creations, with prompts like "group of people in a park in Studio Ghibli style" yielding delightful results. OpenAI utilizes the DALL-E image generation tool to create these illustrations, which adds to the excitement surrounding the launch.
As of March 27, 2025, the ability to create AI-style images remains exclusive to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Teams users, while free-tier users will have to wait for the rollout. This delay reflects the unforeseen popularity of the tools, which Altman acknowledged in his announcement. OpenAI is currently addressing capacity constraints, which have affected previous launches as well.
Users have reported mixed experiences with the AI image generation features. While the results can be impressive, there are limitations. The GPT-4o model sometimes struggles with complex prompts and may produce inconsistent results, especially when asked to render more than 10-20 distinct objects. Additionally, the AI can misinterpret requests involving text, leading to unexpected alterations in the generated images.
OpenAI is aware of these challenges and is working to improve the model post-launch. The company has implemented safety measures to mitigate misuse, including the addition of C2PA metadata to generated images, which helps identify them as AI-created content. Furthermore, requests for inappropriate content are strictly prohibited, and the company has heightened restrictions for images featuring real people.
As users experiment with the AI image tools, the ethical implications of such technology remain a pressing concern. The ease with which individuals can create art that mimics established styles raises questions about originality and respect for artistic labor. While the technology offers exciting possibilities for creativity, it also underscores the need for careful consideration of its impact on artists and the broader cultural landscape.
In the wake of the GPT-4o update, many users have expressed their excitement over the new features, sharing their creations online and discussing the implications of AI-generated art. The ability to generate images that resemble the iconic styles of Studio Ghibli has captivated audiences, leading to a surge of interest in the platform.
However, as the technology evolves, so too does the conversation around its ethical use. The debate over AI’s role in creative fields is likely to intensify, especially as tools like GPT-4o become more accessible. Users and creators alike will need to navigate the complexities of using AI responsibly while enjoying the benefits of these innovative tools.
Ultimately, OpenAI’s GPT-4o image generation update represents a significant leap forward in AI capabilities, offering users unprecedented opportunities for creativity. As the rollout continues, it will be interesting to see how the company addresses the challenges that arise and how users adapt to this new landscape of AI-assisted artistry.
