OpenAI Retires GPT-4o and Older ChatGPT Models

OpenAI retired the GPT-4o model and several other older versions from its ChatGPT platform on February 13, following a January announcement that gave users just two weeks' notice. The move affects GPT-4o, GPT-4, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and o4mini, shifting all users to newer alternatives like GPT-5.2 as the default.

The company cited declining usage as the main reason for the permanent discontinuation, stating that the vast majority of interactions have migrated to updated models. According to OpenAI's data, only 0.1 percent of daily users still selected GPT-4o before its removal. Officials emphasized that retiring legacy systems frees up resources for future development and allows focus on more advanced capabilities.

This is not the first time OpenAI has phased out GPT-4o. In August of the previous year, the company initially discontinued it to prioritize the rollout of GPT-5, prompting widespread user complaints about the loss of its distinctive conversational style. Many described GPT-4o as warmer and more engaging than its successors, leading to a temporary restoration of access after the backlash. This time, however, OpenAI has shown no signs of reversing course, despite...