OpenAI May Add Watermarks to ChatGPT 4o Images; Details
OpenAI is currently exploring the option of incorporating watermarks into images produced by its ChatGPT 4o image model, including those influenced by popular styles such as Studio Ghibli. Recent leaks suggest that while the image generation feature will remain open to all users, individuals on the free tier may soon discover watermarks on their downloads.
Insights into Watermarking
An AI researcher known as @btibor91 shared information on X (formerly Twitter), disclosing that the latest beta version of the ChatGPT Android app by OpenAI contains code alluding to "image-gen-watermark-for-free." This implies that watermarks could be introduced to images generated by non-subscribers. The alteration was identified in version 1.2025.091 2509108 beta and seems to be aimed solely at free users.
Additional Developments
Aside from the watermark initiative, OpenAI is reportedly working on introducing new tools, such as "Structured Thoughts," "Reasoning Recap," "CoT Search Tool," and a cryptic entity labeled "l1239dk1." These tools are rumored to enhance the AI’s reasoning and search capabilities, though specific launch dates or details have not been officially disclosed.
CEO Sam Altman provided further insights into OpenAI's overarching roadmap. Following hints regarding the advancement of GPT-5, Altman now indicates that OpenAI is gearing up to release two intermediary models first — identified as o3 and o4-mini — in the upcoming weeks. He stressed that these models would lay the groundwork for a significantly improved GPT-5, stating, "We are going to be able to make GPT-5 much better than we originally thought."
Global Response and Market Growth
The ChatGPT 4o image generation tool continues to attract attention worldwide, with a notable response from India. OpenAI’s COO Brad Lightcap described the launch as "a very crazy first week," revealing that over 700 million images have been generated since April 1. Out of these, 130 million users interacted directly with the feature, underscoring its popularity.
India has emerged as the fastest-growing market for ChatGPT. Lightcap expressed admiration for the diverse visual creativity displayed, while Sam Altman commended the enthusiastic reception from Indian users, highlighting the country's prominence in adoption. Altman even partook in the excitement by sharing an AI-generated anime-style depiction of himself clad in a Team India cricket jersey — a playful acknowledgement of the nation's ardor for cricket.
