TechCrunch AI · Published 2026-09-11
OpenAI pauses new Pro subscriptions amid Astra demand
New sign-ups for the $200 Pro plan were paused. OpenAI said it was prioritizing existing users, while API, Go and Plus access remained available at the announcement.
New sign-ups paused; other access remained open
TechCrunch reported on September 10 that demand for Astra was straining OpenAI’s infrastructure, prompting a pause in new subscriptions to the $200 monthly Pro plan. Product leader Tibo Sottiaux said Pro placed the greatest load on its systems.
He had warned of a possible pause the previous day and said existing users’ service would take priority. API, Go and Plus remained available at the announcement; no reopening date was provided.
From a model launch to an access change
Astra launched on September 3 and began rolling out across plans. This announcement shows how demand after a launch can affect account access. OpenAI did not disclose daily sign-up numbers, so the pause does not establish the size of its user base.
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- Correction ·
Clarified that the pause applied to new Pro sign-ups, with existing users prioritized.
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Clarified that the pause applied to new Pro sign-ups, with existing users prioritized. Original event, discovery and collection dates remain.
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