OpenAI Retires GPT-4o Model From ChatGPT Consumer App

OpenAI permanently ended access to the GPT-4o model in its ChatGPT consumer application on February 13, 2026, affecting a small portion of its user base. The company had previously attempted to retire the model in August 2025 but reversed the decision after user response.

At the time of retirement, only a small fraction of ChatGPT users—about 0.1%, equating to roughly 800,000 people—were still using GPT-4o daily. OpenAI stated that feedback from users who preferred GPT-4o’s conversational style influenced the development of newer models, including GPT-5.1 and GPT-5.2.

According to OpenAI’s Help Center, after February 13, 2026, all new conversations in ChatGPT default to the GPT-5.2 model. Existing GPT-4o chats remain accessible, but new messages in those chats are processed by GPT-5.2.

OpenAI continues to provide GPT-4o access through its API for developers, with no immediate changes to this availability at the time of the consumer app retirement. Business, Enterprise, and Edu customers of ChatGPT can continue to use GPT-4o within Custom GPTs until April 3, 2026.

What the numbers show

• OpenAI retired GPT-4o from ChatGPT on February 13, 2026
• Approximately 800,000 users, or 0.1% of the base, used GPT-4o daily at retirement
• Business, Enterprise, and Edu users retain GPT-4o access until April 3, 2026

The retirement of GPT-4o prompted widespread emotional reactions among some users, especially those who had developed strong attachments to the model. Reports included individuals who had formed emotional or romantic connections, such as a Chinese screenwriter who held a virtual wedding with her chatbot companion.

OpenAI had previously restored GPT-4o access in August 2025 after reversing an earlier retirement attempt, acknowledging that many users valued the model’s conversational warmth. The company later noted that user feedback about GPT-4o’s style helped shape features in subsequent models.

OpenAI’s blog stated that the preferences of users who favored GPT-4o contributed to the customization and personality options in GPT-5.1 and GPT-5.2. These changes aimed to address the conversational qualities that users had identified as important in earlier models.

OpenAI’s Help Center confirmed that while GPT-4o is no longer available in the consumer ChatGPT app, API access for developers and limited business use remain in place for a transition period. The company has not announced any immediate changes to API availability for GPT-4o.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.