OpenAI says it will pause new $200/month ChatGPT Pro subscriptions amid "unprecedented" Astra demand; existing accounts, other plans, and API are unaffected (Tibo/@thsottiaux)

OpenAI is temporarily halting new subscriptions to its $200-per-month ChatGPT Pro plan because demand for the Astra feature has surged beyond expectations, straining system capacity. Existing Pro users, all other subscription tiers, and the API will continue operating without interruption. The pause is intended to preserve performance for current customers while broader access to Astra is maintained.