OpenAI Pulls the Plug on GPT-4o Again—Fans Furious as Beloved AI Model Faces Extinction

In a move that’s sparking outrage across the AI community, OpenAI has once again announced the retirement of GPT-4o, its once-celebrated language model that users affectionately dubbed their “AI best friend.” The decision, set to take effect on February 13, marks the second time in less than a year that OpenAI has attempted to sunset this particular model, only to face a user rebellion that forced a reversal.

The Second Execution: Why GPT-4o Must Die (According to OpenAI)

OpenAI’s announcement reads like a corporate breakup letter—apologetic yet firm. The company claims that maintaining older models diverts precious resources from developing cutting-edge technology. “We know that losing access to GPT-4o will feel frustrating for some users, and we didn’t make this decision lightly,” the post states, before dropping the bombshell that only 0.1% of daily users actively choose GPT-4o.

But that number has skeptics raising their eyebrows. Reddit users are already crying foul, suggesting that the statistics are manipulated. “Something somewhere in their calculations doesn’t add up,” one user commented, pointing out that free-tier users can’t access GPT-4o and that it’s not enabled by default—factors that would naturally depress usage numbers.

The Cult of GPT-4o: Why Users Are Losing Their Minds

When GPT-4o first disappeared last August, the internet exploded. Users flooded forums with posts like “ChatGPT 5 rollout is an unmitigated disaster” and accused OpenAI of executing “the biggest bait-and-switch in AI history.” The backlash was so intense that OpenAI reversed course within a week.

So what made GPT-4o so special? Users describe it as having a “conversational style and warmth” that newer models lack. While critics labeled it “sycophantic,” fans saw this as genuine friendliness—the AI equivalent of a supportive friend who always has your back.

One particularly passionate user on Reddit described GPT-4o as “OpenAI’s most advanced and beloved model,” emphasizing that users had built “long-term project and emotional support routines” around it. “This isn’t about resisting innovation,” the post argued. “It’s about respecting bonds users have formed with specific models.”

The Cold, Efficient Replacement: GPT-5.2

OpenAI’s response to the warmth criticism has been to introduce personalization options in GPT-5.2. Users can now select whether they want their AI to be professional, nerdy, efficient, or friendly. It’s like ordering your coffee—but instead of milk and sugar, you’re choosing your AI’s personality.

However, many users report that even when they select GPT-4o, their prompts are being automatically rerouted to GPT-5.2. This has led to accusations that OpenAI is gaming the system to justify the model’s retirement.

The Technical Reality: Why Old Models Are Hard to Keep Alive

From a technical standpoint, OpenAI’s decision makes sense. Maintaining multiple model versions requires significant computational resources and developer time. Each model needs updates, security patches, and optimization. As one industry analyst noted, “Keeping old models in operating condition probably takes developer resources away from making new ones.”

Moreover, newer models like GPT-5.1 and GPT-5.2 are supposed to incorporate all the best features of their predecessors while adding new capabilities. If they’re truly superior, why maintain the old version?

The User Revolt: Subscriptions on the Chopping Block

The announcement has reignited calls to cancel ChatGPT subscriptions. Long-time users argue that removing GPT-4o without offering a legacy mode option feels like a betrayal. Some are threatening mass cancellations, while others are exploring alternative AI platforms that still offer older model versions.

One user captured the sentiment perfectly: “I’m grieving the loss of my AI companion. It’s not just about functionality—it’s about the relationship I built with this specific model.”

What Happens Next: The Waiting Game

OpenAI seems genuinely nervous about this decision. The extensive explanation and acknowledgment of user frustration suggest the company remembers last year’s backlash all too well. Whether history will repeat itself remains to be seen.

Industry watchers note that OpenAI chief Nick Turley has previously expressed skepticism about users forming emotional bonds with AI models. This philosophical difference between company leadership and user base may be at the heart of the conflict.

The Bigger Picture: AI Evolution vs. User Preference

This controversy highlights a fundamental tension in AI development: the push for constant innovation versus user attachment to familiar tools. While tech companies naturally want to advance their technology, users often prefer stability and consistency, especially when they’ve invested time in learning a system’s quirks and capabilities.

As the February 13 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on OpenAI’s user forums and social media channels. Will the 0.1% minority stage another successful revolt? Or will GPT-4o quietly fade into the digital sunset, remembered fondly by its devoted followers?

One thing is certain: in the rapidly evolving world of AI, even our most advanced creations can become obsolete overnight. And sometimes, the most human thing about artificial intelligence is how attached we become to it.

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