OpenAI has reversed its decision to remove older models without warning following a user backlash over the replacement of its 4o model with GPT-5, with the company’s head of ChatGPT acknowledging the oversight.
Nick Turley, OpenAI’s head of ChatGPT, expressed surprise at the strong user reaction, stating, “In retrospect, not continuing to offer 4o, at least in the interim, was a miss.” Turley noted that the “level of attachment” users had to the 4o model was unexpected, with the strong feelings often related to the model’s “personality.” OpenAI is now working to integrate the “warmth” of 4o into GPT-5, according to Turley. CEO Sam Altman also commented on the update, hoping it would be “not as annoying (to most users) as GPT-4o.”
The initial decision to remove 4o was driven by a desire to simplify model choices for ChatGPT’s vast user base, which includes 700 million weekly users. Turley emphasized that the move was not financially motivated, stating, “It definitely wasn’t a cost thing.” The primary goal was to enhance simplicity, as the need for average users to select between different models was considered “cognitively overwhelming.” This policy change indicates OpenAI’s commitment to providing greater predictability for users regarding major model updates.
