OpenAI adds plugins to ChatGPT Voice and lets users switch GPT-6 Astra, Sol, and Luna

OpenAI expanded ChatGPT Voice from a single-model novelty into a more capable, model-selectable assistant. The three headline changes: plugins let Voice tap into apps like email, calendar, and Slack; users can now choose among GPT-6 Astra, Sol, and Luna rather than being tied to one model; and Voice is integrated into ChatGPT Work across web and mobile, enabling users to generate documents, presentations, sites, and spreadsheets — or tackle complex tasks — entirely by speaking.

The model-switching is the most consequential piece: exposing distinct GPT-6 variants for voice lets users trade off speed, reasoning, and cost, mirroring how developers already pick model tiers via API. OpenAI framed it as responding directly to user demand ('we heard you loud and clear').

Separately reported — and a distinct development — OpenAI is said to be preparing a $500 ChatGPT Pro Max plan with faster Codex, deploying more Cerebras hardware for inference reportedly up to 750 output tokens per second. Community reaction on r/OpenAI focused on parsing the GPT-6 model lineup (e.g. whether Sol supersedes prior variants), reflecting ongoing 'model-version-fatigue.' Developer Simon Willison showcased talking to a Datasette MCP backup of his blog via the ChatGPT iPhone app, highlighting the plugin/MCP potential. What to watch: plugin ecosystem breadth and whether voice-driven document creation is genuinely usable versus demo-grade.