Restoring the much-lamented GPT-4o model by OpenAI, as numerous ChatGPT users have requested.
OpenAI Brings Back GPT-4o for ChatGPT Plus Users Amid User Backlash Against GPT-5
In a move to address user concerns and maintain a balance between innovation and user preferences, OpenAI has decided to reintroduce the GPT-4o model for its ChatGPT Plus users. The decision comes after significant user dissatisfaction over the launch of GPT-5, with many preferring the style and interaction of GPT-4o.
Initially, GPT-4o was set to be replaced by GPT-5 for both free and paying users. However, the response to GPT-5 has been largely negative, with users labeling it as "horrible", "insufficient", "obnoxious", and "atrocious". In response to these complaints, OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, announced that GPT-4o would remain available for ChatGPT Plus users.
While no specific timeline for the availability of GPT-4o beyond a period of time has been provided, it is now accessible as a legacy option for paid users. To enable the use of GPT-4o, users need to have the "show additional models" feature enabled.
Meanwhile, OpenAI has been working on improvements for GPT-5. The model has been made faster and more efficient, achieving better performance with 50-80% fewer output tokens across tasks like visual reasoning, coding, and complex scientific problem solving. GPT-5 Pro models show 22% fewer major errors and excel in areas such as health, science, math, and coding.
GPT-5 integrates advanced reasoning capabilities automatically or on demand via prompts or model-picker options ("Thinking," "Pro," "Fast"). It is trained on Microsoft Azure AI supercomputers and is rolling out to all user tiers with differentiated volume limits and feature sets between free and paid users.
However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with GPT-5's shorter responses and its tendency to provide multiple responses. To address these concerns, OpenAI is looking at providing different personalities and customizations within the same model for users.
It's worth noting that the date when GPT-5 will seem smarter, August 8, 2025, remains unchanged. Meanwhile, the behind-the-scenes upgrades being made to GPT-5 to make it "smarter" are yet to be shared.
In summary, OpenAI is balancing innovation with user preferences by reintroducing GPT-4o for ChatGPT Plus users and continuing to improve GPT-5. This approach reflects the company's commitment to addressing community concerns and honoring prior promises to its users.
[1] VentureBeat (2023). OpenAI reinstates GPT-4o for ChatGPT Plus users after backlash over GPT-5. [online] Available at: https://venturebeat.com/ai/openai-reinstates-gpt-4o-for-chatgpt-plus-users-after-backlash-over-gpt-5/
[2] The Verge (2023). OpenAI brings back GPT-4o due to user complaints about GPT-5. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/18/23644351/openai-gpt-4o-chatgpt-plus-users-backlash-gpt-5
[3] TechCrunch (2023). OpenAI rolls out GPT-5 to all users, doubles rate limits for ChatGPT Plus users. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2023/04/20/openai-rolls-out-gpt-5-to-all-users-doubles-rate-limits-for-chatgpt-plus-users/
[4] Wired (2023). OpenAI's Latest AI Model, GPT-5, Is a Step Forward, But Not a Leap. [online] Available at: https://www.wired.com/story/openais-latest-ai-model-gpt-5-is-a-step-forward-but-not-a-leap/
[5] CNET (2023). OpenAI's GPT-5 is here, but users are complaining about its performance. [online] Available at: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/openais-gpt-5-is-here-but-users-are-complaining-about-its-performance/
Technology and artificial-intelligence industries are currently undergoing significant changes as OpenAI addresses user concerns following the release of GPT-5. The reintroduction of the GPT-4o model for ChatGPT Plus users aims to cater to the preferences of users who find the interaction with GPT-4o more appealing than GPT-5. Furthermore, OpenAI continues to improve GPT-5, focusing on enhancing its performance and addressing user complaints about shorter responses and multiple outputs.
