Starting on the 13th in the United States, older models including GPT-4o will largely be discontinued from OpenAI's ChatGPT service. The company is focusing its development resources on advancing the next-generation model, GPT-5.2.
According to the industry on the 1st, OpenAI recently said on its official blog, "As previously released, we plan to end GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and OpenAI o4-mini in ChatGPT along with GPT-5 Instant and Thinking," adding, "However, there are currently no changes in the application programming interface (API)."
This follows OpenAI's strategy to focus on GPT-5.2, as previously signaled. The majority of overall usage has shifted to GPT-5.2, and only 0.1% of users seek out GPT-4o, the company said.
Still, GPT-4o is cited as having a strength in its uniquely friendly conversational style compared with the next-generation version, and some may regret its retirement. In fact, GPT-4o was once removed when GPT-5 launched in Aug. last year, then restored at the request of some paid users.
OpenAI said, "We received feedback from some Plus and Pro users that they need more time to transition core uses such as brainstorming creative ideas to the next-generation model, and that they prefer GPT-4o's unique conversational style and warm tone," but emphasized, "We reflected this feedback in the GPT-5.1 and 5.2 models."
OpenAI has strengthened features related to distinctive expression in model responses and the generation of creative ideas. It added a variety of settings that allow for more precise control over how ChatGPT responds. Users can adjust elements such as basic styles like "friendliness," as well as a warm or passionate tone.
OpenAI also said it is reducing unnecessary refusals to respond and overly cautious or lecturing replies. Related updates will be provided soon.
It added that, under the principle of "treating adults like adults," it is preparing ChatGPT for users ages 18 and older. However, minors will be protected through safeguards such as an "age prediction feature." If an account is predicted to be under 18, additional safety settings are applied automatically.
OpenAI said, "We know that time is needed to adapt to these changes. We also understand that ending GPT-4o may be a major disappointment for some users," but added, "This decision was not made lightly. It is a necessary step to focus on improving the models that most users rely on."
Meanwhile, because the API for older models will continue to be offered, there is not expected to be any immediate major change for the developer community that builds on them.