OpenAI is officially removing several older language models from its ChatGPT interface as of February 13, 2026, marking a significant shift in how users interact with its AI. The retirement affects several models, including GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and OpenAI o4-mini, alongside previously announced retirements of GPT-5 Instant and GPT-5 Thinking variants. These changes apply to the ChatGPT product itself, while access via API remains unchanged for the time being.
Known for its expressive tone, multilingual capabilities, and multimodal features, GPT-4o was temporarily brought back after user pushback during the GPT-5 rollout last year. But with most users already gravitating toward newer versions like GPT-5.2, OpenAI says it’s time to sunset these older systems and concentrate its development efforts on more current technology.
What’s changing and why it matters
The official retirement means that from today forward, these legacy models simply won’t be selectable in the ChatGPT model menu for everyday users. Conversations you’ve had that relied on a now-retired model will automatically default to a newer model, like GPT-5.2, moving forward. For custom applications, workflows, and saved chats, the behaviour will remain seamless from the user’s perspective, though behind the scenes, the model powering those interactions will shift.
OpenAI says the move isn’t taken lightly. Feedback from users who favoured GPT-4o’s particular style and warmth helped shape features in its newer models, like the personality and customisation options in GPT-5.1 and GPT-5.2. However, overall usage of the older systems had dwindled to the point where only a fraction of daily users still opted for them. That said, there is a section of the user base that genuinely relied on the emotional support of the 4o model, and they seem to be quite devastated.
There’s also a practical side to this transition. From a safety and maintenance standpoint, having fewer legacy models to support means fewer resources spent on patching, hosting, and updating code for systems most people no longer use. Looking at the bigger picture, though, this change underscores how fast the world of generative AI continues to move. Models come, users adopt them, and eventually even popular systems give way to advances that promise better speed, smarter responses, and more nuanced interaction. Even if some longtime fans aren’t quite ready to say goodbye.
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