OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is poised to introduce a new line of AI agents with monthly subscription plans ranging from $2,000 to $20,000, potentially contributing up to 25% of the company's future revenue, according to reports from The Information.
AI agents represent a significant leap in artificial intelligence, capable of autonomously performing complex tasks on behalf of users or other systems.1 These agents utilize advanced language models and decision-making algorithms to interact with digital environments, execute actions, and solve problems without constant human intervention.1 OpenAI's Operator, launched in early 2025, exemplifies this technology as a web-based AI agent designed to carry out online tasks such as booking tickets or ordering groceries.2 Powered by the Computer-Using Agent (CUA) model built on GPT-4o, Operator can interpret screenshots, interact with graphical user interfaces, and execute multi-step processes.3 This advancement in AI technology signals a shift towards more practical, task-oriented AI applications that could revolutionize how people interact with digital systems and automate routine activities.4
The pricing structure for OpenAI's AI agents is set to cater to various market segments, with three distinct tiers:
Low-end agents priced at $2,000 per month, targeting high-income knowledge workers
Mid-tier agents around $10,000 per month, designed for software development tasks
High-end agents up to $20,000 per month, functioning as PhD-level research assistants12
These AI agents are expected to revolutionize task automation across different industries, with OpenAI executives discussing the potential launches with investors. The company's strategic pricing approach aims to capture a significant share of the burgeoning AI market, which is projected to exceed $1 trillion in revenue within a decade3.
OpenAI's ambitious vision for AI agents is backed by substantial financial support and projected revenue growth. The company anticipates that agent products will contribute 20% to 25% of its total revenue in the future, signaling a significant shift in its business model1. This projection is bolstered by a major investment from SoftBank, a key investor in OpenAI, which has committed $3 billion towards the development of OpenAI's agents this year1.
The substantial investment and projected revenue share underscore the growing importance of AI agents in OpenAI's portfolio. As these autonomous applications gain traction in performing complex tasks for customers, they are poised to become a crucial revenue stream for the company, complementing its existing offerings like ChatGPT, which already generates a minimum of $4 billion in annualized revenue1.