OpenAI Reinstates GPT-4o Amid User Concerns

In a significant development for the online AI community, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced on Tuesday that the GPT-4o model has returned to ChatGPT following considerable user backlash after its removal during the recent GPT-5 launch. This reinstatement comes as a relief to many users who voiced strong objections to losing access to their preferred model.

User Backlash and Rapid Reversal

The reintroduction of GPT-4o, which is now accessible by default to all paid ChatGPT users, marks a swift reversal of OpenAI’s earlier decision to eliminate all previous AI models during the August 7 launch of GPT-5. Altman candidly acknowledged the company’s misjudgment in underestimating the significance of GPT-4o for many subscribers, stating that they "underestimated how much some of the things that people like in GPT-4o matter to them."

This decision to remove GPT-4o without prior warning sparked one of the most intense user revolts in the platform’s history. A Reddit thread titled "GPT-5 is horrible," garnered over 2,000 comments within days, showcasing the magnitude of user dissatisfaction.

New Features and User Controls

In response to the feedback, OpenAI has implemented several enhancements alongside GPT-4o’s return. One of the key changes includes an increase in message rate limits for the GPT-5 Thinking mode, escalating from 200 to 3,000 messages per week. For users who surpass this limit, additional capacity will be available through the "GPT-5 Thinking mini" model.

Moreover, OpenAI has introduced new routing options—“Auto,” “Fast,” and “Thinking”—that empower users with greater control over which GPT-5 variant they prefer for their queries.

Screenshot of Updated Model Picker

Credit: Benj Edwards

Future Model Availability for Pro Users

For the Pro users who subscribe at a cost of $200 per month, Altman also announced that additional models, including o3, 4.1, and GPT-5 Thinking mini, will eventually be accessible through a “Show additional models” toggle in the ChatGPT web settings. However, GPT-4.5 will remain exclusive to Pro subscribers due to the high costs associated with GPU usage.

Implications and Significance

The reinstatement of GPT-4o highlights the growing importance of user feedback in the tech industry, particularly as AI becomes more integrated into everyday life. The swift response from OpenAI illustrates a commitment to customer satisfaction while still navigating the complexities of advancing technology.

As OpenAI continues to evolve its offerings, the recent changes could set a precedent for how technology companies engage with their user communities. The acceptance of user concerns may bolster loyalty and trust, further solidifying OpenAI’s standing in the competitive AI landscape.

This incident serves as a reminder that even in the fast-paced world of tech innovation, listening to users is paramount. With the changes implemented, it will be interesting to see how the community responds in the coming weeks, and whether OpenAI can maintain the delicate balance between progress and user satisfaction.