The Frontier Is Now Free (ampcode.com)

Amp has announced the launch of a free credit system for all users, enabling them to utilize its advanced AI capabilities without any initial payment. This includes access to the frontier smart agent powered by Opus 4.5. Users can sign up and either opt for ad-supported free credits—replenishing at a rate of $10 per day—or choose to purchase additional credits. The system allows both new and existing users to easily engage with Amp's features, with the option to disable ads if they prefer a paid model. This initiative is significant for the AI/ML community as it democratizes access to sophisticated AI tools, fostering experimentation and innovation without the barrier of cost. The smart mode, driven by Opus 4.5 and enhanced by subagents such as GPT-5 and Gemini-3, offers powerful computational capabilities, while the rush mode provides faster inference options. By providing this free tier supported by text ads, Amp not only attracts new users but also reflects a growing trend in the industry towards ad-supported models, presenting implications for how AI services can sustain their business while broadening their user base.