OpenAI Retires GPT-4o from ChatGPT
Narrative
GPT-4o retired from ChatGPT alongside GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, OpenAI o4-mini, and GPT-5 (Instant/Thinking/Pro) variants. Only 0.1% of users still choosing GPT-4o daily, with vast majority migrated to GPT-5.2. Retirement follows user feedback that shaped GPT-5.1/5.2 improvements to personality, creative ideation, and customization. No changes to API access at this time.
Reality
Effective February 13, 2026 in ChatGPT. Business/Enterprise/Edu customers retain GPT-4o access in Custom GPTs until April 3, 2026. Follows earlier failed deprecation attempt (August 2025) that was reversed due to user backlash over GPT-4o's warmth and conversational style. Current retirement proceeds with minimal resistance given low usage and improvements incorporated into newer models.
Implication
Marks end of model that "sparked unusually strong emotional connection" and defined multimodal AI conversational norms. Highlights tension between user attachment and model iteration velocity. Demonstrates OpenAI's consolidation strategy around fewer, more capable flagship models (GPT-5.2). Raises questions about AI companion dependency and safety implications of highly engaging models.