They don't mention anything about "$18" or needing a phone number. All they say on their blog is:
> "During the research preview, usage of ChatGPT is free. Try it now"
The sneaky requirement for a phone number is poor UX and doesn't match their casual invite to "try it for free". I tried one of the phone number websites, but it failed.
> "During the research preview, usage of ChatGPT is free. Try it now"
The sneaky requirement for a phone number is poor UX and doesn't match their casual invite to "try it for free". I tried one of the phone number websites, but it failed.