ChatGPT’s adult mode is coming — and it might not be what you think it is

• OpenAI plans to launch an “adult mode” for ChatGPT in early 2026.
• The feature will use AI to infer users’ ages before granting access to mature content.
• The adult mode may be delayed depending on the age prediction system.

ChatGPT is growing up, or at least offering an adults-only version starting next year. OpenAI's CEO of Applications, Fidji Simo, confirmed the plan for an “adult mode” to debut in the first quarter of 2026. There's no firmer date yet, partly because the rollout won't happen unless and until the company's new age-prediction AI model proves effective. OpenAI is currently testing the AI's ability to figure out when someone is under 18 and apply the right content filters automatically in a few countries.

Unlike most websites that slap a “confirm your age” pop-up over anything racy, OpenAI doesn’t want to ...