The image generator has been getting a lot of attention lately because people are using it to create images that look like Studio Ghibli animation. The rush to use the image generation tool in ChatGPT prompted Altman to say that its servers were melting in a post on March 27.
At the time, Altman stated that image generation would be free, but that users would only be allowed to upload three images per day. Those who pay for ChatGPT for $20 per month for a standard subscription or $200 per month for a Pro subscription will not have that limit.
I tested the tool to create the lead image for this post. The ChatGPT app faced some issues with a lost connection, but eventually produced a picture of a ChatGPT logo flying over New York in less than five minutes.
The AI arms race heats up
OpenAI's latest chapter in an increasingly heated competition among companies developing AI technology is the extension of ChatGPT's audience through its image generator. Apple, Anthropic, Microsoft, and Google are among the many startups in the US, China, and other countries. Gemini 2.5, Apple's latest AI model, was introduced by Apple a week ago. According to estimates, ChatGPT has around 500 million weekly users, but other AI models are taking over.
AI models are being tasked with creating content, such as images and videos, apart from improving their task-handling and problem-solving abilities. ChatGPT also has a feature called Sora to create videos, but it is still only available to paid accounts.
AI skeptics become users
Serena Huang, an AI consultant and author of The Inclusion Equation who holds a doctorate in economics, said she too has been flooded with Ghibli images on her social media recently and has been thinking about the impact of widespread use of image generators such as OpenAI.
AI image generation is a powerful catalyst for enhanced productivity and innovation, she told CNET. By speeding up the content creation process, marketing materials can be developed quickly and communications can be more engaging. Overall, the fun aspect of AI also helps with adoption and can turn many skeptics into users overnight.
Huang expressed concern about the copyright complexities of AI-generated content, the energy consumption required to perform AI tasks, and the potential effects of image generation on creative industries, such as job losses.
Huang predicted that other companies that provide basic image creation, such as Microsoft Copilot, will likely improve their services. As competition for users intensifies, I am looking forward to significant advancements, she stated.
