What Happened to Sora Access – Does ChatGPT Plus Still Include It?

For many enthusiasts and professionals using OpenAI's ChatGPT, the question "Does ChatGPT Plus still include Sora access?" has grown increasingly relevant. Sora, once a significant get more info https://highstylife.com/which-countries-hit-the-27-chatgpt-plus-price-range-hungary-croatia-denmark-pricing-insights/ layer of the AI experience, took a surprising turn with its discontinuation announced for April 26, 2026. In this post, I'll walk you through what exactly happened to Sora, why ChatGPT Plus is no longer for Sora, and what this means if you subscribe or plan to subscribe at the $20/month (ChatGPT Plus US web list price). Along the way, we'll dig into some critical pricing realities involving VAT/GST, the differences between web vs iOS vs Android pricing, and why OpenAI still hasn’t introduced an annual ChatGPT Plus plan.
Understanding Sora: What It Was and Why It Mattered
Sora was an additional AI-powered feature layer that OpenAI integrated within various ChatGPT subscription plans. Early on, many users saw Sora as a premium add-on enhancing ChatGPT's capabilities, particularly for developers and power users wanting an API-centric experience inside their subscription.

However, official updates from OpenAI state Sora has been discontinued as of April 26, 2026, with the Sora API sunset date set to September 24, 2026. This means that existing users must prepare for transition, and new subscribers will not find Sora bundled or accessible via ChatGPT Plus.
ChatGPT Plus Now: $20/Month But What Do You Really Pay?
The published price for ChatGPT Plus in the US web checkout is a straightforward $20/month. However, this list price often misleads customers who don't factor in regional taxes and fees. Here’s what to consider:
VAT/GST Variability: Depending on your country, Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST) may add 5%-25% to the final checkout price. Some regions show this immediately, others hide it until the final steps—something that frustratingly remains a common “auto-renew gotcha.” Price Transparency: Always check OpenAI’s checkout on two devices or browsers: one signed in with your account, the other anonymous. This captures any personalized pricing or promotions. Example Price Table: ChatGPT Plus List vs Approximate Real Price by Region Region List Price (USD equivalent) VAT/GST % Approx. Real Price After Tax United States $20.00 ~0% $20.00 European Union $20.00 20% $24.00 Canada $20.00 5%-15% $21.00 - $23.00 Australia $20.00 10% $22.00
So that $20 sticker price Click here for more https://instaquoteapp.com/was-there-really-a-1-month-free-chatgpt-plus-promo-in-january-2026-india-and-us/ isn’t always the “final” price you pay. This matters especially if you subscribe via mobile platforms.
Web Checkout vs iOS vs Android Pricing: Comparing Apple, Google, and OpenAI Channels
One major complexity in ChatGPT Plus subscriptions is the platform-dependent pricing. Let's unpack the differences.
Web Checkout: The most direct way to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus is via OpenAI's own web portal. Pricing shown here is closest to the published list price. Though, as above, add VAT/GST. iOS App Subscriptions: Apple’s App Store charges a 30% commission on subscriptions, which typically means OpenAI passes some or all of this cost to users. So, while the list price might remain $20, users often pay about $26/month due to platform fees and tax. Android (Google Play) Subscriptions: Google Play also takes a cut (usually less than Apple, often 15%). Prices on Android may be slightly higher than web but typically less than iOS. The variation depends on region.
Remember: always open checkout on two devices—one desktop browser using web checkout, and one mobile device using your app—to confirm true final costs before paying. This also helps spot offers or trial routes that differ by platform.
Why No Annual ChatGPT Plus Plans (Yet)?
Usually, subscription services offer annual plans for cost savings and more stable cash flow. As of mid-2026, OpenAI has not introduced an annual ChatGPT Plus option.

Reasons this matters:
Monthly Only Limits Discounts and Commitment: Customers pay month-to-month; no incentives for multi-month prepayment. Trial and Trial Transition Complexity: Six different known trial routes exist, all based on offers and platform differences. Annual plans would simplify managing trial-to-paid transitions. Revenue and Flexibility: OpenAI retains flexibility to shift features, prices, and bundles. The Reality of ChatGPT Plus Trials: Six Offer-Based Routes
If you thought subscribing was straightforward, think again. There are six primary trial entry points or offers for ChatGPT Plus, depending on:
Platform (Web, iOS, Android) Region and applicable tax Historical account status Promotional campaigns or bundled offers
This means trial start dates, reminder notifications, and auto-renew policies can differ sharply. My top recommendation: set a calendar reminder 24 hours before your trial ends. This avoids getting caught in the auto-renew cycle without a clear understanding of what you’re paying and getting.
ChatGPT Plus Not for Sora: What Users Must Know
After the Sora discontinuation on April 26, 2026, ChatGPT Plus subscribers found that:
Sora is no longer bundled or accessible within ChatGPT Plus. New subscribers cannot opt into Sora through any Plus plan. Legacy Sora API users have until September 24, 2026 to transition or sunset their usage.
This is a significant shift because many assumed ChatGPT Plus included all OpenAI-enhanced features. Now, Plus is more focused on the core GPT chat experience at the stated price tiers.
Auto-Renew Gotchas Related to Sora Changes Disabling Sora access may not immediately cancel your ChatGPT Plus subscription. Some users on older invoices or plans might see no price difference but lose Sora features. Check your plan status carefully before renewing in web checkout or app stores.
Again, opening checkout on two devices—one logged into your account and one fresh—is a solid habit before submitting payment.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
In summary:
Sora discontinued on April 26, 2026: ChatGPT Plus no longer includes it. Sora API sunsets on September 24, 2026: Transition or lose access permanently. Expect price differences by region and platform: Web checkout often cheapest, iOS usually most expensive. No annual Plus plan yet: This keeps things flexible but potentially costlier over time. Multiple trial pathways exist: Set calendar reminders to avoid unwanted renewals.
If you’re considering subscribing to ChatGPT Plus, my professional advice is this: before clicking “Subscribe” or “Upgrade,” open checkout simultaneously on web and mobile, check final pricing including VAT/GST, select the cheapest platform, and set a trial-end reminder 24 hours ahead. This approach minimizes unpleasant surprises, especially now that the Sora era has ended.

As always, stay savvy and don’t take list prices at face value. OpenAI’s evolving ecosystem is exciting, but it comes with nuanced layers—especially in subscriptions and feature access.