ChatGPT's New Cheaper Models: 6 Ways Small Businesses Can Use Them

Do you ever stare at a blank screen trying to write a product description? Or spend an hour reading a supplier contract? Most small business owners wear ten hats. Anything that saves an hour a day is a big deal.

This week, that got easier and cheaper. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, released two new AI models. One of them is even available to free users.

Here's what's new, and six practical ways to put it to work in your business this week.

What Happened?

On September 22, 2026, OpenAI launched GPT-6 Sol and GPT-6 Luna, TechCrunch reported. They cost half as much as the models they replace.

• Luna is the fast, everyday helper. OpenAI says it's for "high-volume tasks with a clear goal, like summarizing documents, extracting information, or answering quick questions." Free ChatGPT users can use it in the desktop app.
• Sol is the stronger model for complex work like coding. OpenAI says it "makes about half as many mistakes" as the version before it. It's for paid plans.

Both are also available to developers. That means the chatbots and automations businesses build can run for less money, as GitHub also confirmed by adding them to its coding tools the same day.

Why It Matters for Your Business

Cheaper, better AI means two things for you:

1. You can do more yourself, for free or nearly free. Everyday writing and reading tasks just got faster.
2. Custom AI tools cost less to run. If you've thought about a chatbot or automation but worried about monthly costs, the math just got better.

The catch? AI still makes mistakes. Always check facts, prices and anything you'll publish or send to customers.

What You Should Do Now: 6 Practical Uses

1. Draft replies to common customer questions. Paste a customer message and ask for a friendly reply in your tone. Edit, then send.
2. Write product descriptions faster. Give it the product name, material, size and price. Ask for three short versions for your website, Facebook and Instagram.
3. Summarize long documents. Supplier contracts, tender papers, reports. Ask: "Summarize this in 5 bullet points and list anything I should worry about."
4. Plan a month of social media posts. Tell it your business, audience and offers. Ask for 12 post ideas with captions. Then add your own photos and voice.
5. Turn reviews into insights. Paste your latest Google or Facebook reviews. Ask what customers love and what they complain about most.
6. Prepare for meetings and calls. Ask it to turn your notes into a clear agenda or a follow-up email.

For example, imagine a furniture shop owner. In 20 minutes, they can write descriptions for ten new products, plan next week's Facebook posts and summarize a supplier's new price list. That used to take an afternoon.

Free ChatGPT vs a Custom AI Tool

Most businesses start with the left column. When the same task repeats hundreds of times, the right column pays off.

How Bykorp Can Help

Using ChatGPT yourself is a great start. When you're ready to save hours every week instead of minutes, we can help.

• Custom AI assistants that know your products and reply to customers 24/7. See our AI automation services.
• Content that sounds like you, planned and published by our team. See our content marketing services.
• Honest advice on which AI tools are worth paying for, and which aren't.

Wondering what AI automation really costs to run? Read our breakdown: AI just got cheaper, here's what it costs.

Key Takeaways

• OpenAI launched GPT-6 Sol and Luna on September 22, 2026, at half the price of the models they replace.
• Luna handles everyday tasks and is available to free ChatGPT users on desktop.
• Small businesses can use it today for replies, product descriptions, summaries, post ideas and review insights.
• Always check AI output before sending it to customers or publishing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GPT-6 Luna free to use?

GPT-6 Luna is available to free ChatGPT users in the desktop app, according to OpenAI's launch announcement. Paid plans get more usage and access to the stronger GPT-6 Sol model. Businesses building their own tools pay per use through OpenAI's developer platform, at half the price of the previous models.

How can a small business use ChatGPT?

A small business can use ChatGPT to draft customer replies, write product descriptions, summarize long documents, plan social media posts, analyze reviews and prepare meeting notes. The key is to give it clear details about your business, then review and edit everything before you send or publish it.

What is the difference between GPT-6 Sol and GPT-6 Luna?

GPT-6 Sol is the stronger model for complex work like coding and multi-step tasks, and it's available on paid ChatGPT plans. GPT-6 Luna is the faster, cheaper model for everyday tasks like summaries and quick answers, and it's available to free users on desktop. Both cost half as much as the older versions.

Can ChatGPT replace a social media manager?

ChatGPT can't fully replace a social media manager. ChatGPT is great for ideas, first drafts and captions, but it doesn't know your customers, take your photos, reply to comments in real time or track what actually drives sales. Most businesses get the best results when a person uses AI to work faster.

Sources

• TechCrunch: OpenAI launches GPT-6 Sol and Luna, boasting lower cost and fewer mistakes
• GitHub Changelog: OpenAI's GPT-6 Sol and GPT-6 Luna now available
• MacRumors: OpenAI's new GPT-6 Sol and Luna models

Want an AI assistant that knows your business and replies to customers for you? Talk to the Bykorp team. We'll show you what's possible in a free 20-minute call.