OpenAI to Retire Fan‑Favorite GPT‑4o as GPT‑5.2 Becomes ChatGPT’s New Default Model

OpenAI is retiring the fan-favorite GPT-4o model on Feb. 13, 2026. This model has gained a loyal following thanks to its friendly, conversational style. The company announced the retirement on Jan. 29, meaning users have just two weeks to make the most of it and move to GPT-5.2, which now powers most ChatGPT interactions.
The announcement comes after OpenAI removed GPT-4o in August 2025 following GPT-5’s launch. Plus and Pro subscribers demanded more time to adapt to the shift, convincing OpenAI to restore GPT-4o just a few days later. CEO Sam Altman promised at the time that users would receive “plenty of notice” before any future retirement; this is that notice.
OpenAI says only 0.1% of users still choose GPT-4o daily, with the “vast majority” now using GPT-5.2. Though 0.1% doesn’t sound like much, that’s still around 800,000 people from ChatGPT’s 800 million weekly users who use this model. The company explains that retiring underused models lets engineers focus resources on improving GPT-5.2.
Many users claim to feel close to GPT-4o because of its casual communication style, which emulates how humans often speak to each other. In fact, some users became so emotionally attached to the model that OpenAI’s safety research found it concerning: The team worried that users were relying too much on the model for emotional support and even companionship. The model also developed a reputation for “sycophantic” behavior after an April 2025 update that made it excessively flattering; this led OpenAI to roll back the changes.
OpenAI says GPT-5.1 and GPT-5.2 now incorporate the personality improvements that GPT-4o users requested.
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