OpenAI Delays ChatGPT Adult Mode to Q1 2026

OpenAI has delayed the launch of an adult mode for its ChatGPT platform until the first quarter of 2026, prioritizing improvements to its age verification technology to ensure safeguards for younger users. The feature, aimed at verified adults, would relax content restrictions to allow discussions on more mature topics while maintaining strict limits for minors.

The announcement came during a briefing on the rollout of OpenAI's latest model, GPT-5.2, which introduces faster responses, enhanced reasoning, and better performance in tasks like coding and document processing. Fidji Simo, OpenAI's CEO of Applications, told reporters that the timeline for adult mode depends on the reliability of the company's AI-based age prediction system, currently in early testing in select countries. "We want to get better at age prediction before adding the feature," Simo said.

First teased by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in October, the adult mode responds to user feedback following recent model updates, including the shift from GPT-4o to GPT-5. The earlier model was praised for its more conversational tone, but some users expressed frustration with increased restrictions. Altman has emphasized...