OpenAI to Add Watermarks for Free-Tier Image Generation on ChatGPT 4o

If you've been using ChatGPT 4o to create Studio Ghibli-style or anime-inspired images, there's a potential change on the horizon. OpenAI may soon start applying watermarks to images generated via the ChatGPT Image Generation model — but only for free-tier users.

This update was first spotted by AI researcher @btibor91, who shared findings from a recent ChatGPT Android app beta update (version 1.2025.091 2509108) on X (formerly Twitter). According to the researcher, the app's code references a new feature labeled “image-gen-watermark-for-free”, hinting that only free users will see watermarked image downloads.

ChatGPT Plus Subscribers Likely Exempt from Watermark Rule

Subscription May Offer a Watermark-Free Experience

The watermark feature is reportedly limited to users on the free plan, which could serve as an incentive for people to upgrade to ChatGPT Plus. That said, OpenAI hasn’t officially confirmed the rollout of watermarked image downloads, so this feature remains speculative for now.

As it stands, paid users are expected to continue enjoying watermark-free image downloads. However, the final implementation may vary, and OpenAI’s plans could still change before this goes live.

OpenAI’s Upcoming Launches – O3, O4-mini, and GPT-5

GPT-5 to Arrive After Mid-2025

In addition to potential watermarking changes, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has shared updates about the company's roadmap. While GPT-5 remains highly anticipated, Altman recently confirmed that “before the flagship model, OpenAI is looking forward to launching o3 and o4-mini.” These models will reportedly go live “probably in a couple of weeks.”

Altman added that GPT-5 will follow these releases within a few months. He expressed optimism about the project’s evolution, saying:

“We are going to be able to make GPT 5 much better than we originally thought.”

ChatGPT 4o Image Generation Sees Surge in India

India Becomes OpenAI’s Fastest-Growing Market

Since the launch of the new image-generation feature on April 1, ChatGPT has witnessed explosive growth. Brad Lightcap, OpenAI’s Chief Operating Officer, stated:

“It’s been a very crazy first week for images in ChatGPT.”

He added that users created over 700 million images, with 130 million people engaging with the feature globally. India, in particular, has emerged as a frontrunner.

Lightcap emphasized the platform’s increasing popularity in India, calling it OpenAI’s “fastest-growing market.” CEO Sam Altman echoed the sentiment:

“India is outpacing the world.”

To further engage Indian audiences, Altman shared a selfie-style anime image of himself as an Indian cricketer, wearing the Team India jersey — a smart nod to cricket, India’s most beloved sport.

What It Means for Creators

This upcoming watermark policy could affect creators, artists, and hobbyists relying on the free version of ChatGPT for design or content creation. If implemented, only Plus subscribers may continue to export watermark-free visuals. However, users still have time to enjoy unrestricted image generation — unless OpenAI confirms the change.

Conclusion 

The potential addition of watermarks to ChatGPT's image generation tool marks an important shift in OpenAI's freemium strategy. While users on the free tier may soon find watermarks on their creations, paid subscribers are likely to enjoy uninterrupted access to clean, high-quality images. Though no official confirmation has come from OpenAI, the watermark code discovery in the beta app suggests the company is seriously considering this change.

With more than 700 million images generated and a rapidly growing user base in India, OpenAI’s creative tools are reaching new heights of popularity. Simultaneously, the company is preparing to roll out o3 and o4-mini ahead of its landmark GPT-5 launch, promising even more powerful capabilities in the months ahead.

As AI continues to reshape creative expression, the watermarking move might be OpenAI’s way to balance accessibility and revenue, while ensuring responsible use of its technology. Stay tuned for updates as these plans evolve.