- OpenAI restores GPT-4o as a selectable option for ChatGPT Plus users amid backlash over GPT-5 replacing it.
- The company has doubled GPT-5 usage limits for paid tiers, but the return of legacy models hinges on continued demand.
What happened: User backlash prompts OpenAI reversal
After launching GPT-5 and making it the default for all ChatGPT users, OpenAI faced swift backlash. Many long-time users complained GPT-5 lacked the warmth and creativity they appreciated in GPT-4o—and called it a downgrade despite its technical improvements. In response, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that ChatGPT Plus subscribers would regain the ability to select GPT-4o, while also increasing GPT-5 usage limits for paid tiers. However, this concession comes with caveats: free-tier users will continue using GPT-5 only, and long-term availability of GPT-4o will depend on usage data.
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Why it’s important
The quick U-turn shows that raw performance improvements do not guarantee user satisfaction. For many, the familiarity and tone of GPT-4o shaped their workflow, from creative writing to brainstorming sessions. Replacing it entirely risked alienating loyal users who had adapted to its style over months of interaction.
This decision also reveals a two-tier user experience. Plus subscribers retain the power of choice, while free users are locked into GPT-5—suggesting that product flexibility is now a premium feature. The reliance on usage data to determine GPT-4o’s future raises further concerns: if free-tier users can’t access it, how accurately can OpenAI measure its true popularity?
The broader implication is that AI development is not only a technical race but also a trust exercise. If model changes feel imposed rather than optional, users may question the platform’s responsiveness to feedback. This case may set a precedent for offering parallel AI versions to satisfy both innovation goals and emotional loyalty—provided companies are willing to bear the cost of maintaining multiple models.
