GPT-4o returns after GPT-5 backlash: how to use it

OpenAI reintroduces GPT-4o within 24 hours of replacing it, responding to a wave of feedback on personality and user connection.

When GPT-5 became the new default model in ChatGPT on August 7, 2025, the move was presented as a major technical upgrade. Yet for many users, the change was more personal than practical. GPT-4o, the outgoing multimodal “Omni” model, had developed a conversational style and warmth that users valued. Its sudden removal triggered a strong community reaction, with many saying GPT-5 felt colder, more distant, and less like the trusted assistant they were used to.

The pushback that forced a quick reversal.

The GPT-5 rollout delivered measurable gains in reasoning, speed, and context capacity, but these improvements were overshadowed by an immediate shift in tone. Long-time Plus subscribers described GPT-5 as more formal and less emotionally engaging, making conversations feel transactional. Online discussions quickly filled with testimonials about why GPT-4o felt more approachable and relatable, even if it was technically less advanced.

This feedback revealed that, for a segment of the user base, the human-like qualities of an AI assistant were as important as — or even more important than — its raw capabilities. The outcry showed how deep the attachment to GPT-4o’s personality had become.

OpenAI’s acknowledgement and GPT-4o’s reinstatement.

In response, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly recognized that the personality and style of GPT-4o were a core part of its appeal. He admitted that the company underestimated how disruptive it would be to remove it entirely. Less than a day after the backlash peaked, Altman confirmed that GPT-4o would return as an option for all Plus subscribers, alongside GPT-5.

This move signals a shift in OpenAI’s approach — prioritizing user choice and recognizing that a single “best” model may not satisfy everyone, even if it is the most powerful in technical terms.

How to visualize GPT-4o again:

The reintroduction is being managed through a gradual rollout. For many Plus subscribers, GPT-4o becomes available by enabling the “Show legacy models” option in Settings → General on the ChatGPT web app. Once activated, GPT-4o appears in the model selection menu alongside GPT-5. Some users report that the option is also visible in the iOS app. The rollout is progressive, so it may take time before all Plus accounts display the toggle.

What this decision signals for the AI industry.

The rapid reinstatement of GPT-4o highlights an evolving truth in AI product strategy: performance gains alone do not guarantee user satisfaction. The emotional rapport, perceived personality, and adaptability of an AI model can be decisive factors in retention and loyalty. By keeping both GPT-5 and GPT-4o in parallel, OpenAI is setting a precedent for a multi-model ecosystem that values both innovation and familiarity — an approach that could shape how future AI upgrades are handled.

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