(cache)OpenAI brings back GPT-4o after user revolt

On Tuesday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that GPT-4o has returned to ChatGPT following intense user backlash over its removal during last week's GPT-5 launch. The AI model now appears in the model picker for all paid ChatGPT users by default (including ChatGPT Plus accounts), marking a swift reversal after thousands of users complained about losing access to their preferred models.

The return of GPT-4o comes after what Altman described as OpenAI underestimating "how much some of the things that people like in GPT-4o matter to them." In an attempt to simplify its offerings, OpenAI had initially removed all previous AI models from ChatGPT when GPT-5 launched on August 7, forcing users to adopt the new model without warning. The move sparked one of the most vocal user revolts in ChatGPT's history, with a Reddit thread titled "GPT-5 is horrible" gathering over 2,000 comments within days.

Along with bringing back GPT-4o, OpenAI made several other changes to address user concerns. Rate limits for GPT-5 Thinking mode increased from 200 to 3,000 messages per week, with additional capacity available through "GPT-5 Thinking mini" after reaching that limit. The company also added new routing options—"Auto," "Fast," and "Thinking"—giving users more control over which GPT-5 variant handles their queries.

A screenshot of ChatGPT Pro's model picker interface captured on August 13, 2025. Credit: Benj Edwards

For Pro users who pay $200 a month for access, Altman confirmed that additional models, including o3, 4.1, and GPT-5 Thinking mini, will later become available through a "Show additional models" toggle in ChatGPT web settings. He noted that GPT-4.5 will remain exclusive to Pro subscribers due to high GPU costs.

Addressing “personality” concerns

Beyond model availability, OpenAI acknowledged widespread complaints about GPT-5's output style. Users had described the new model as "abrupt and sharp" compared to GPT-4o's more conversational tone. Some users with emotional attachments to the older model expressed grief over losing what they considered their "only friend."

"We are working on an update to GPT-5's personality which should feel warmer than the current personality but not as annoying (to most users) as GPT-4o," Altman wrote in his announcement. He added that OpenAI recognizes the need for "more per-user customization of model personality" going forward.

The GPT-5 launch had been plagued by multiple issues beyond model removal. An automatic routing system meant to select appropriate model variants malfunctioned on launch day, consistently defaulting to less capable versions. OpenAI also faced criticism for including misleading performance graphs in the launch presentation, which Altman later called a "mega chart screwup."

While GPT-4o has returned for now, OpenAI continues to refine GPT-5. The company indicated that rate limits may need further adjustments "depending on usage" and that personality updates remain in development. For now, paid ChatGPT users can select their preferred model, offering a compromise between OpenAI's push toward newer AI models and user demands for choice.