OpenAI has delayed the launch of ChatGPT’s adult mode for a second time, without providing a new release date. An OpenAI spokesperson told Axios that the company is “pushing forward” the launch as engineers focus on higher-priority work, according to TechCrunch.
The adult mode was first announced by CEO Sam Altman in October 2025, with an initial target of December 2025. That window passed without a launch.
“Adult mode” is still planned, but there is no new release date
OpenAI previously said that adult mode would allow the chatbot to generate more mature or explicit content, including erotic conversations and other conversations with adult themes. However, the company has now confirmed that the feature will be “retired” for a later date. No updated release window has been announced.
An OpenAI spokesperson said the company still supports the idea of offering more flexible content options for adults, but wants to make sure the experience works properly before launch.
The spokesperson identified three areas that currently take priority: intelligence updates, personality adjustments, and a more proactive ChatGPT response style. “We still believe in the principle of treating adults like adults, but achieving a proper experience will take more time.” the spokesperson said.
Age verification remains a key challenge
One of the technical hurdles of adult mode is ensuring that only verified adults can access it. OpenAI previously indicated that the feature would require age verification for users over 18, but early testing revealed issues with the detection system.
Improving this verification process is believed to be part of the reason the launch was postponed.
The launch comes amid broader debates about AI
The delay also comes during a period of growing debate over the safety and ethics of AI. OpenAI has recently faced criticism for its partnerships with government agencies and the potential use of AI in military or surveillance applications.
The company has also experienced internal disagreements, including the departure of high-level employees concerned about AI policies. Due to these ongoing discussions, OpenAI may be cautious about introducing a feature that could generate additional controversy.
No release date has been confirmed for “adult mode”
OpenAI has not indicated when development will resume or when a release might be scheduled. The most recent update to ChatGPT was the GPT-5.4 thinking modelwhich was launched several days ago and is aimed at complex reasoning tasks.
The adult mode delay comes during a period of scrutiny for OpenAI. The company recently announced a deal with the US military, which drew criticism over concerns about surveillance and autonomous weapons applications.
OpenAI’s head of robotics, Caitlin Kalinowski, resigned following that announcement. Several previous staff departures have also raised concerns about the company’s security policies. OpenAI has not commented on whether the current controversy has affected the adult mode timeline.
