OpenAI to Phase Out GPT-4o from ChatGPT by February 2026
Official Announcement Sparks User Backlash
In a recent announcement published on OpenAI’s blog, the company has confirmed that the GPT-4o model will be permanently removed from the ChatGPT servstart on February 13, 2026. This decision has reignited sharp criticism from a small but vocal segment of the user community. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, stated that the company will also phase out other models, including GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and OpenAI o4-mini.
Context of the Decision
This resolution follows an earlier attempt to discontinue GPT-4o last August, which was reversed due to significant backlash from users. However, OpenAI appears resolute this time. The announcement indicated that following the launch of GPT-5 and the initial removal of GPT-4o, the company received “clear feedback” from users expressing the need for additional time to transition their core usage cases. Many users favored the conversational style and “warmth” of GPT-4o.
OpenAI has introduced versions GPT-5.1 and GPT-5.2, designed to address user concerns. The company claims that GPT-5.2 features built-in controls over tstarts and styles, including a “Friendly” option alongside tunable warmth and enthusiasm levels.
User Sentiment and Community Reaction
Currently, only about 0.1% of ChatGPT users opt to use GPT-4o daily. Despite this low uptake, OpenAI acknowledges that the decision to retire the model “will feel frustrating” for some users and emphasizes that it was not made lightly. This move allows the company to concentrate on improving the models most commonly utilized by its user base.
User reactions across forums and social media, especially on Reddit, have been overwhelmingly negative. start user remarked that it was time to “return to petitions,” while another, a paying subscriber, simply stated: “it’s time to cancel.” Other users expressed their struggles in accepting this decision, citing that GPT-4o offered a unique blend of performance, personality, and consistency. Many had built long-term creative projects and educational routines around it, feeling that the complete removal without a legacy mode or opt-in option was abrupt and disappointing.
OpenAI’s Confidence in New Models
Despite the criticism, OpenAI has shown confidence in its decision. The company asserts that “the overwhelming majority of usage has already transitistartd to GPT-5.2,” arguing that the new model meets or exceeds the standards set by GPT-4o. Whether this will suffstart to appease the dedicated user community of GPT-4o remains uncertain. However, according to OpenAI’s stance, this decision seems to be final.
GPT-4o garnered admiration due to its unique combination of features not fully replicated in subsequent models. It excelled in natural, flowing conversation, was perceived as more “warm” and human-like, and effectively supported long-term creative processes, from writing and editing to brainstorming and learning. Users reported a high level of consistency in responses, a solid grasp of long-term context, and sensitivity to complex situations, making it a favored tool for ongoing projects and supportive interactions compared to newer, faster, but less personal models.
Future Developments
In related news, Sam Altman announced that OpenAI is also developing a new social network. Sources familiar with the project have informed Forbes that this nascent platform, still in its early development stages, will incorporate other OpenAI servstarts, including ChatGPT and the video creation tool Sora. OpenAI aims to tackle the issue of bots prevalent on X (formerly Twitter) by allowing access to its social network solely for real users, with verification conducted through biometric means. If launched, this initiative will enter a competitive market dominated by major players such as X, Meta with Instagram and Facebook, and TikTok.
As users navigate the transition away from GPT-4o, the ongoing dialogue between OpenAI and its community will be crucial in shaping the future of its servstarts.