OpenAI Makes Its Most Advanced Coding Model—GPT-4.1—Available to Paid ChatGPT Users

By Fionna Agomuoh | Published May 14, 2025

OpenAI has just expanded access to its most advanced AI model yet—GPT-4.1—for all paid ChatGPT users, including those on the Plus, Pro, and Team plans.

Following its initial API-only release in April, GPT-4.1 quickly gained traction among developers thanks to its lightning-fast performance, lower cost, and standout coding capabilities. Now, it’s officially part of the ChatGPT web app, giving more users hands-on access to OpenAI’s top-tier model.

---

🔍 Where to Find GPT-4.1 in ChatGPT

As of Wednesday, GPT-4.1 is available to paid users through the “More Models” dropdown inside ChatGPT. Just click the menu and you’ll find GPT-4.1 listed alongside other available versions.

OpenAI also confirmed that GPT-4.1 will roll out to ChatGPT Enterprise and Education (Edu) subscribers in the coming weeks—broadening access across all premium tiers.

---

💡 What Makes GPT-4.1 So Powerful?

According to OpenAI, GPT-4.1 is optimized specifically for coding and web development. It’s designed to write and debug code with greater accuracy, speed, and efficiency than previous versions like GPT-4o or GPT-4o mini.

In fact, during its April launch, OpenAI highlighted GPT-4.1 as its fastest and most cost-effective model to date, making it a favorite among developers and professionals.

Some standout features include:

• Advanced code generation and debugging
• Strong performance in complex problem-solving
• Speed improvements over previous GPT-4 models
• Training data knowledge up to June 2024

---

🔄 GPT-4.1 Mini Is Replacing GPT-4o Mini

Another key update is the replacement of GPT-4o mini with GPT-4.1 mini across all ChatGPT plans—including the free tier.

Here’s what that means:

• GPT-4.1 mini will be the new lightweight default model for all users
• Free users will switch to GPT-4.1 mini after hitting their GPT-4o usage cap
• Paid users will see it listed in the “More Models” menu as an alternative option

This shift brings better baseline performance to every ChatGPT user, even those using the service for free.

---

🤝 Big Companies Already Using GPT-4.1

GPT-4.1 has already been adopted by several major organizations through its API. OpenAI has partnered with:

• Windsurf
• Qodo
• Hex
• Blue J
• Thomson Reuters
• Carlyle

These partnerships reflect GPT-4.1’s potential in powering enterprise tools, research platforms, and data-heavy services.

---

💰 Pricing for ChatGPT Access

If you want to access GPT-4.1 directly in ChatGPT, you’ll need to subscribe to a paid plan. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:

Plan	Price	Best For
Plus	$20/month	Casual power users, individuals
Pro	$200/month	Professionals, developers, heavy users
Team	$25/user/month (annual billing)	Teams of 2 or more needing collaboration

All three tiers now include GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 mini in the model selection menu.

---

📌 FAQs

Q: What is GPT-4.1 and how is it different?

A: GPT-4.1 is OpenAI’s most advanced large language model, built for speed, affordability, and performance—especially in coding and technical tasks. It also features updated knowledge up to June 2024.

Q: Who can access GPT-4.1 in ChatGPT?

A: Users subscribed to Plus ($20), Pro ($200), or Team ($25/user) can access GPT-4.1 via the ChatGPT model dropdown. It will soon be available to Enterprise and Edu subscribers as well.

Q: Is GPT-4.1 available to free users?

A: Not directly. Free users will still use GPT-4o until they hit their usage limit, after which they’ll be switched to GPT-4.1 mini, which offers improved baseline performance.

Q: Where can I find GPT-4.1 in ChatGPT?

A: It’s available in the “More Models” dropdown menu inside ChatGPT. Both GPT-4.1 and GPT-4.1 mini are listed for eligible users.

Q: Why is GPT-4 and GPT-4.5 being retired?

A: OpenAI is simplifying its lineup to focus on more efficient, high-performance models. GPT-4.1 replaces them by offering better performance and cost benefits.

---

✅ Conclusion: GPT-4.1 Brings Pro-Level AI to More Users

With GPT-4.1 now integrated into ChatGPT for Plus, Pro, and Team users, OpenAI is taking a major step toward democratizing access to its most powerful model. Whether you’re a developer, content creator, researcher, or just a curious user, GPT-4.1 brings next-level coding, reasoning, and problem-solving skills directly into your hands.

And with GPT-4.1 mini now available across all tiers—including the free plan—OpenAI continues to ensure that high-quality AI is more accessible than ever.

Ready to give it a try? Head to the “More Models” dropdown in ChatGPT and take GPT-4.1 for a spin.

---

Let me know if you want this turned into a press release, blog post format, or social media summary!