ChatGPT's GPT-4o officially retired after brief comeback
OpenAI has officially said goodbye to its older ChatGPT models, including GPT-4o, after a vast majority of users shifted to the newer GPT-5.2.
As of February 13, 2026, only about 0.1% of users were still choosing GPT-4o daily, and usage had largely shifted to the latest version, making the old ones pretty much history.
GPT-4o's warm vibe inspired OpenAI to add customizable tones
The retirement wasn't random—users actually brought back GPT-4o for a while because they liked its warmer vibe.
That feedback inspired OpenAI to build customizable tones and more creative options into GPT-5.2, aiming for a friendlier experience.
What's changing for users
Newer default models will be used, and usage has largely shifted to GPT-5.2.
If you're on Business, Enterprise, or Edu plans and love your Custom GPTs, you may still have access to GPT-4o in some contexts for the time being.
The way these models work through the OpenAI API isn't changing.
Users felt attached to GPT-4o's unique personality and style
Even with legal controversies (including lawsuits over mental health concerns), lots of users felt attached to GPT-4o's unique personality and style—proving that how an AI "talks" really matters to people who use it every day.