OpenAI Tests ChatGPT Adult Feature ‘Citron Mode,’ Tightens Age Verification

OpenAI had planned to launch an adult mode for ChatGPT in the first quarter of 2026, advancing CEO Sam Altman’s push for a more open conversational experience and responding to competition in the generative AI market. Because the feature would involve sensitive content restricted to users aged 18 and over, the platform also tested warning labels and third-party identity verification to reduce the risk of minors gaining access. OpenAI did not disclose development costs.

Developers recently found a test feature code-named “Citron Mode” in ChatGPT’s code, along with 18+ warnings and an age-verification process, indicating that OpenAI had prepared for a launch. Subsequent reports, however, said the company had again delayed and indefinitely shelved the adult mode because of high model-retraining costs and technical implementation challenges. The original first-quarter 2026 launch timetable no longer applies, with resources to be prioritized for core AI development.