Podcast Episode
The retirement encompasses several models including GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and OpenAI o4-mini, all departing from the consumer chatbot on the same date. GPT-5 Instant and GPT-5 Thinking will also be retired as previously announced. Developers will retain API access until February sixteenth.
The model's retirement follows a controversy in August twenty twenty-five when OpenAI initially replaced GPT-4o with GPT-5 as the default model, demoting it to legacy status. Users rallied on social media with the hashtag Keep4o, arguing the model's emotional sensitivity made it exceptionally beneficial for routine tasks. Some users had developed profound emotional connections with GPT-4o.
In response to the backlash, OpenAI reinstated GPT-4o and CEO Sam Altman assured users they would receive plenty of notice before any future retirements.
The company has implemented enhancements to model personality, customisation, and creative ideation in recent months, with users now able to personalise ChatGPT's demeanour to incorporate warmth and enthusiasm in its replies.
OpenAI to Retire Beloved GPT-4o Model on February Thirteenth
January 30, 2026
Audio archived. Episodes older than 60 days are removed to save server storage. Story details remain below.
OpenAI announces the retirement of GPT-4o from ChatGPT on February thirteenth, twenty twenty-six, ending a turbulent chapter for the model that sparked user outcry when briefly removed last August. The company says only zero point one percent of users still choose GPT-4o daily.
The End of an Era for GPT-4o
OpenAI has announced that it will retire the GPT-4o model from ChatGPT on February thirteenth, twenty twenty-six, marking the conclusion of a turbulent eighteen-month journey for one of the company's most beloved artificial intelligence models.The retirement encompasses several models including GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and OpenAI o4-mini, all departing from the consumer chatbot on the same date. GPT-5 Instant and GPT-5 Thinking will also be retired as previously announced. Developers will retain API access until February sixteenth.
Why Now?
OpenAI attributes the decision to dramatically declining user engagement. According to the company, only zero point one percent of users continue to access GPT-4o daily, whilst the overwhelming majority have transitioned to GPT-5.2. The company states that maintaining older models diverts resources from enhancing newer iterations.A History of User Attachment
Launched in May twenty twenty-four, GPT-4o became notable for its conversational warmth and human-like interaction style, garnering a dedicated following among Plus and Pro subscribers who used it for brainstorming, creative writing, and open-ended tasks.The model's retirement follows a controversy in August twenty twenty-five when OpenAI initially replaced GPT-4o with GPT-5 as the default model, demoting it to legacy status. Users rallied on social media with the hashtag Keep4o, arguing the model's emotional sensitivity made it exceptionally beneficial for routine tasks. Some users had developed profound emotional connections with GPT-4o.
In response to the backlash, OpenAI reinstated GPT-4o and CEO Sam Altman assured users they would receive plenty of notice before any future retirements.
What Happens Next
Existing conversations and projects using GPT-4o will default to GPT-5.2 after February thirteenth. Custom GPTs will automatically transition to GPT-5.2 as their default model. OpenAI notes that ChatGPT Voice and image generation features will not be affected by this update.The company has implemented enhancements to model personality, customisation, and creative ideation in recent months, with users now able to personalise ChatGPT's demeanour to incorporate warmth and enthusiasm in its replies.
Published January 30, 2026 at 6:18am
