OpenAI is shaking up the typical sign-up process for new ChatGPT users by testing a new feature that allows registration with just a phone number, eliminating the need for an email address. This innovative approach, discovered by software engineer Tibor Blaho, is currently being trialed in the United States and India, although it comes with a few limitations.
Users who register with a phone number will find themselves unable to access premium services like ChatGPT Plus or ChatGPT Pro until they verify their account through an email address. Additionally, features such as multi-factor authentication are not available without a linked email. Moreover, once a phone number is associated with a ChatGPT account, it cannot be reused for new accounts.
OpenAI acknowledges issues with recycled or reused numbers, which can cause registration problems. They advise reaching out to support for assistance or waiting until a potential system update, anticipated in 2025, which could resolve these difficulties.
Interestingly, OpenAI currently has no plans to extend phone number-only registrations to other countries. This initiative is part of OpenAI’s broader efforts to make its AI products more accessible. For instance, in December, they introduced a feature allowing U.S. users to converse with ChatGPT for free via phone for 15 minutes each month. Around the same period, they also integrated a basic version of ChatGPT into WhatsApp, with certain usage limits.
In its quest for expansion, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has attracted over 300 million weekly active users, significantly boosting the company’s income. Despite projections of $3.7 billion in revenue for 2024, OpenAI still struggles with profitability. The company reportedly incurred losses of around $5 billion in the fiscal year 2024, due to heavy expenditures on rent, staffing, and AI development infrastructure.
To mitigate these financial challenges, OpenAI is considering changes, such as increasing subscription prices. CEO Sam Altman has hinted that the highest-tier plans are currently operating at a loss. There’s also talk of introducing tiered pricing based on usage, as the company continues to explore sustainable revenue streams.
