OpenAI is bringing back GPT-4o as an option for ChatGPT Plus users after users expressed strong dissatisfaction with its removal and the transition to GPT-5. GPT-4o will no longer be the default model, but paid users can choose to continue using it. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman confirmed this reinstatement on social media, acknowledging the user feedback and stating they will monitor usage to decide how long to keep legacy models available.
GPT-4o is a multimodal AI model capable of handling text, audio, and images with faster responses (twice as fast as GPT-4 Turbo), enhanced language support (over 50 languages), and advanced multimodal interaction features, including real-time voice and image understanding and generation. Users appreciated GPT-4o for its personable, nuanced, and emotionally supportive responses, which some found missing in GPT-5.
The return of GPT-4o responds to a significant user backlash expressed in communities like Reddit, where users described losing GPT-4o as “losing a close friend,” highlighting its unique voice and interaction style compared to GPT-5. OpenAI had initially removed the model selection feature in ChatGPT, replacing older versions directly with GPT-5, which caused confusion and dissatisfaction. Now, legacy models like GPT-4o will remain accessible for a time, allowing users to switch between GPT-5 and older versions based on preference and task requirements.
Leave a Reply