ChatGPT is expected to introduce an “adult mode” by the first quarter of 2026, according to Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of Applications, who revealed the timeline during a Thursday briefing about GPT-5.2. The feature, long anticipated and previously hinted at by CEO Sam Altman, would allow verified adult users to access more explicit content within the chatbot. Simo emphasized that OpenAI is prioritizing accuracy in age prediction before launching the feature. The company is currently testing an age verification model designed to reliably identify users under 18 while minimizing false positives among adults. This system is being evaluated in select countries to ensure it can distinguish between teens and adults effectively. The move comes amid growing pressure on tech companies to comply with new regulations around age verification and content safety. As more platforms roll out advanced age-checking tools, OpenAI is working to build a system that balances user privacy with responsible content delivery. The introduction of adult mode follows similar features launched by competitors like Grok, which has already offered NSFW capabilities. OpenAI’s approach appears more cautious, focusing on refining its underlying technology to avoid misidentifying users and to ensure that safeguards are applied appropriately. The company has not yet disclosed what the adult mode will look like or how it will be implemented, but the planned rollout in early 2026 suggests significant development work is underway. OpenAI continues to position GPT-5.2 as its most advanced model yet, particularly for professional use, while also preparing for broader, more personalized user experiences.