OpenAI's API changelog records GPT-6 Astra as released in the API, and by 30 September 2026 its model page gives standard pay-as-you-go rate limits for usage tiers 1 to 5, with no waitlist or application (there is no free tier).
(adjacent). OpenAI API documentation or an openai.com announcement stating by 23:59 BST on 30 September 2026 that the GPT-6 Astra model is available to all API developers without a waitlist or programme application. If that source has not published in time, Reuters and Bloomberg (context only; a second Tier B/C report needed alongside it) settle it.
Five of the last eight GPT versions reached free users in 15 days. We looked at every GPT version launched in ChatGPT since GPT-4o in May 2024 where an OpenAI page or a report from our approved sources said who could use it and when. For each one we asked if free ChatGPT users had a model of that version within 15 days of the announcement.