GPT-4o Loyalists Push Back as OpenAI Retires It
OpenAI announced it will retire GPT-4o and several older ChatGPT models on February 13, 2026, prompting backlash from GPT-4o fans on Reddit’s r/ChatGPTcomplaints, including protest posts, mass unsubscribing from paid plans, and a Change.org petition with thousands of signatures. OpenAI says the retirement makes way for newer models (GPT-5.1/5.2) with improved personality and customization, noting GPT-4o is used by only a small fraction of users daily. CEO Sam Altman has warned about unhealthy parasocial relationships with AI, a factor OpenAI aims to address through updates and user controls.