OpenAI has introduced a significant update to ChatGPT’s memory feature, now enabling the AI to retain information from all previous conversations.
The update, shared by OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman on X, allows the chatbot to automatically incorporate past interactions to offer more tailored responses, eliminating the need to reiterate information.
We’ve significantly enhanced memory in ChatGPT—it can now reference all prior conversations!
This is a surprisingly excellent feature, pointing towards something we’re enthusiastic about: AI systems that gradually learn about you over time, becoming exceedingly useful and personalized.
— Sam Altman (@sama) April 10, 2025
Previously, ChatGPT’s memory needed to be manually activated for specific details you wanted it to remember. The update broadens this functionality in two main ways:
- Saved memories: Information you’ve explicitly instructed ChatGPT to remember
- Chat history: Insights the AI automatically accumulates from all your previous interactions
This enhancement means ChatGPT can now remember your preferences, interests, recurring topics, and stylistic choices without additional prompts.
For instance, if you’ve indicated a love for rock music or a preference for brief, bullet-point responses in prior chats, ChatGPT should remember.
“New conversations naturally build upon existing knowledge about you, creating interactions that feel smoother and more uniquely tailored,” OpenAI stated in their announcement.
Privacy Controls Still Available
Understandably, not everyone wants ChatGPT to retain or know more about them beyond what’s necessary.
With ChatGPT keeping a detailed record of every conversation, which might include sensitive information about you or your work, considerable trust is placed in OpenAI’s ability to maintain confidentiality.
In an era of data leaks and targeted advertising, such trust might not be readily given by everyone.
You can currently opt out of the memory feature. Altman noted: “You can, of course, opt out entirely, or use temporary chat if you prefer conversations that won’t influence memory.”
The temporary chat feature is advantageous—ChatGPT’s earlier memory system often became overwhelmed, obstructing functionality.
The advanced memory feature is now accessible to ChatGPT Pro subscribers on the high-priced $200/month tier, with a rollout to Plus users on the horizon.
There are exceptions to this rollout. Altman mentioned on X, “Except users in the EEA, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Call me, Liechtenstein, let’s work this out!”
Although ChatGPT’s ability to remember everything we’ve ever shared is exciting, recent studies highlight potential risks associated with this level of AI personalization.
Research conducted by OpenAI and MIT Media Lab indicated that frequent, prolonged use of ChatGPT might be connected to increased loneliness and emotional dependence among its dedicated users.
The research, which comprised a randomized controlled trial and analysis of nearly 40 million interactions, found that “power users” engaging in personal dialogues with the chatbot were more likely to perceive it as a friend and experienced greater loneliness compared to those interacting less regularly.
For some, it’s a fantastic feature. For others, it feels like a step towards a Black Mirror scenario.
