OpenAI Reinstates GPT-4o: Here’s Why Users Demanded It Back

When OpenAI rolled out GPT-5, the company likely expected applause for its smarter, faster, and more capable model. Instead, they got a wave of pushback—much of it emotional. Within just 24 hours of the release, Sam Altman himself announced that OpenAI was bringing back GPT-4o for ChatGPT Plus users, a move that says as much about the AI’s community as it does about the technology itself.

The GPT-5 Launch and Immediate Fallout

The GPT-5 update came with speed and accuracy improvements, but it also quietly removed a fan-favorite feature: the model picker, which allowed users to switch between different AI versions. This meant GPT-4o, known for its engaging personality and lighter tone, was suddenly unavailable.

The reaction was swift. Reddit threads lit up with complaints, Twitter saw waves of frustration, and even paying Plus subscribers threatened to cancel. For many, it wasn’t just about capability, it was about connection.

Why Users Love GPT-4o

GPT-4o isn’t the most advanced model in OpenAI’s arsenal, but it became a kind of digital companion for many. Its conversational style, friendliness, and humor made it feel less like a tool and more like a partner. Users described losing GPT-4o as “losing a friend,” highlighting the emotional side of AI adoption.

Some even admitted to tears or deep disappointment when GPT-4o was removed, revealing that, for certain people, the personality of an AI can matter just as much as its raw performance.

OpenAI Listens and Responds

Acknowledging the backlash, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the company underestimated how much users valued GPT-4o’s personality. Within a day, the company reinstated the model for Plus subscribers and promised a better interface for switching between models in the future.

GPT-5 rollout updates:

*We are going to double GPT-5 rate limits for ChatGPT Plus users as we finish rollout.

*We will let Plus users choose to continue to use 4o. We will watch usage as we think about how long to offer legacy models for.

*GPT-5 will seem smarter starting…

— Sam Altman (@sama) August 8, 2025

The quick turnaround shows a shift in how tech companies handle feature changes, listening to users not just about technical issues, but about emotional experiences.

The Bigger Picture: Control, Customization, and Trust

This episode raises bigger questions: How much choice should users have in the AI they interact with? While GPT-5 may be more capable, the preference for GPT-4o proves that personality, tone, and familiarity play a huge role in user satisfaction.

It also underscores the importance of trust. Rolling out updates that fundamentally change user experience without warningcan alienate loyal customers. OpenAI’s quick rollback suggests they’re aware of this and willing to adapt.

Can GPT-5 Win Back the Crowd?

GPT-5 offers plenty of technical upgrades: fewer hallucinations, faster responses, and better reasoning. But unless it can also match or exceed GPT-4o’s warmth, many users may stick with the older model.

The company has hinted at ongoing work in “steerability”, essentially letting users fine-tune the personality of their AI. If successful, that could bridge the gap between cutting-edge performance and the personal touch users love.

OpenAI’s decision to reinstate GPT-4o just a day after removing it speaks volumes about the evolving relationship between AI companies and their communities. Technology alone isn’t enough; personality, choice, and trust matter too. For now, GPT-4o fans can breathe a sigh of relief—but the long-term challenge for OpenAI will be making sure GPT-5 can win both hearts and minds.

Tony Simons

Tony has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and over 14 years of writing experience between multiple publications in the tech, photography, lifestyle, and deal industries.