OpenAI has delayed the rollout of ChatGPT's built-in image generator for free users, citing overwhelming demand and popularity. In a recent post, CEO Sam Altman admitted that the image-generation tool is more popular than he expected, leading to a delay in its availability for free users.

The image generator, which uses OpenAI's reasoning model, GPT-4o, was only recently added to ChatGPT on Tuesday. The tool allows users to create images directly within the app, and its popularity has been evident in the flood of Studio Ghibli-style images shared on social media. Even Altman himself has joined in on the trend, showcasing the tool's capabilities.

GPT-4o boasts improvements to text rendering and employs an autoregressive approach to image generation, where the image is generated from left to right and top to bottom, rather than all at once. Currently, the image generator is only available to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team subscribers, leaving free users waiting for its release.

The delay is a testament to the tool's unexpected popularity, which has put a strain on OpenAI's resources. While the company has not provided a specific timeline for the rollout, it's clear that the demand for this feature is high. The image generator's capabilities have sparked creativity among users, and its potential applications in various industries are vast.

This development also highlights the growing importance of AI-generated content in the tech landscape. As AI models become more sophisticated, we can expect to see more innovative applications of this technology in the future. The delay in the image generator's rollout may be a temporary setback, but it's a sign of the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of AI-generated content.

As the tech industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how OpenAI addresses the demand for its image generator and how this technology will be used in various contexts. For now, free users will have to wait patiently for the rollout, while subscribers continue to explore the creative possibilities of ChatGPT's image generator.