Retired ChatGPT models: GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, o3, GPT-5, GPT-5.1, GPT-5.2, and what replaced them
Updated: 2 hours ago
OpenAI retired a large part of the old ChatGPT model picker during 2026. The key point is that ChatGPT retirement and API retirement are separate events: several models disappeared from ChatGPT while remaining available through the API.
The transition moved ChatGPT from GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, o-series, and early GPT-5 generations toward GPT-5.3/5.4, GPT-5.5, and now GPT-5.6, with GPT-6 Pro added above the current GPT-5.6 stack.
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RETIRED FROM CHATGPT DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY MEAN RETIRED FROM THE API
OpenAI repeatedly stated that several 2026 ChatGPT retirements did not change API availability at the same time. A model can therefore be absent from the ChatGPT picker and still remain callable by developers until a separate API deprecation occurs.
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Date | ChatGPT retirement or transition | Status note |
|---|---|---|
February 13, 2026 | GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, o4-mini, GPT-5 Instant and Thinking | Removed from ChatGPT; API unchanged at that time |
February 19, 2026 | GPT-5 Pro / Enterprise transition window | Temporary extension ended for specified users |
March 11, 2026 | GPT-5.1 Instant, Thinking and Pro | Retired from normal chats and GPTs; API remained available |
June 12, 2026 | GPT-5.2 Instant, Thinking and Pro | Existing conversations moved to GPT-5.5 equivalents |
June 27, 2026 | GPT-4.5 | Retired from ChatGPT after announced sunset |
August 26, 2026 | OpenAI o3 | Retired from ChatGPT after 90-day sunset |
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FEBRUARY 13 REMOVED THE GPT-4O, GPT-4.1, O4-MINI, AND EARLY GPT-5 PICKER
This was the largest early-2026 cleanup. GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, o4-mini, and GPT-5 Instant and Thinking left ChatGPT. Some managed-workspace and GPT-5 Pro access continued briefly through February 19.
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GPT-5.1 FOLLOWED ON MARCH 11
GPT-5.1 Instant, Thinking, and Pro were retired across normal chats and GPTs on March 11. OpenAI said the models would continue in the API and that future API retirements would receive separate notice.
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GPT-5.2 LEFT CHATGPT ON JUNE 12
GPT-5.2 Instant, Thinking, and Pro were removed from ChatGPT on June 12. Existing conversations using GPT-5.2 moved automatically to the corresponding GPT-5.5 models.
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GPT-4.5 AND O3 HAD THEIR OWN SUNSET WINDOWS
OpenAI announced on May 28 that GPT-4.5 would retire from ChatGPT on June 27 and OpenAI o3 on August 26. Those announcements explicitly applied to ChatGPT and did not simultaneously remove the models from the API.
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OLD CONVERSATIONS AND GPTS ARE MIGRATED TO NEWER EQUIVALENTS
When a model leaves ChatGPT, existing conversations are generally kept but routed to a supported replacement. During the February retirement wave, OpenAI described older GPT-4o-era chats and GPTs moving toward GPT-5.3 Instant and GPT-5.4 Thinking or Pro equivalents.
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GPT-5.5 IS A TRANSITION CASE, NOT A MODEL TO CALL RETIRED WITHOUT A NOTICE
GPT-5.6 now powers the updated experience for eligible users, but OpenAI's current GPT-5.6 help material says earlier models may remain available where supported. Without a specific retirement notice, older GPT-5.5 availability should be described as legacy or transitional rather than universally retired.
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THE CURRENT DEFAULT LINEUP IS NOW CENTERED ON GPT-5.6 AND GPT-6 PRO
Free and Go center on GPT-5.6 Luna; eligible paid ChatGPT plans center on GPT-5.6 Sol; Pro reasoning can use GPT-5.6 Sol Pro; and eligible higher plans can use GPT-6 Pro. Older model names now belong primarily in migration, compatibility, and historical documentation.
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