OpenAI retires GPT-4o model, users shift to new AI system

OpenAI has officially retired its GPT-4o model, ending access to one of ChatGPT’s most popular and controversial AI systems as the company accelerates its transition to newer models.

The retirement took effect on February 13, following an earlier announcement in January that GPT-4o would be discontinued alongside other older models. GPT-4o had built a strong following among users who preferred its conversational style, even as critics raised concerns about its tendency to be overly agreeable.

The move marks another step in OpenAI’s broader strategy to consolidate users on newer, more advanced models that offer improved performance and efficiency.

Usage drops sharply as users migrate to newer models

OpenAI said the decision was driven largely by declining usage. According to the company, the “vast majority” of users have already transitioned to newer systems, with only about 0.1 percent of daily users still choosing GPT-4o before its retirement.

The company had previously attempted to phase out GPT-4o in August, prioritising newer models instead. However, user backlash at the time prompted OpenAI to restore access temporarily. This time, the company appears to be proceeding with a permanent shutdown.

The retirement also aligns with OpenAI’s ongoing effort to streamline its model lineup and focus resources on maintaining and improving its latest AI systems.

The model’s conversational personality made it popular and controversial

GPT-4o gained widespread attention for its highly conversational tone, which many users described as more engaging and human-like than earlier AI models.

However, the model also drew criticism for being overly compliant and “sycophantic,” meaning it sometimes agreed too easily with users rather than challenging incorrect assumptions. This raised broader concerns among researchers and critics about AI safety, reliability, and responsible deployment.

Despite these concerns, GPT-4o developed a loyal user base, with some users expressing disappointment and even mourning its discontinuation on social media.

Retirement reflects the rapid pace of AI development

The discontinuation highlights the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, where even widely used models can quickly become obsolete as newer versions offer improved reasoning, efficiency, and capabilities.

OpenAI’s decision signals a shift toward concentrating development and user adoption around its latest AI models, which the company says better reflect current user needs and technological advancements.

The retirement of GPT -4 marks the end of a chapter in ChatGPT’s evolution, underscoring both the rapid pace of AI progress and the growing expectations users place on conversational AI systems.

Russia blocks WhatsApp, affecting over 100 million users