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OpenAI has removed the GPT-4o and GPT-4.1 models from ChatGPT starting today, signalling a shift to newer, more advanced AI systems. The company says the move will streamline performance and focus development efforts. GPT-4o received the most attention for its multilingual and multimodal capabilities, along with its more natural and expressive conversational tone.
OpenAI is retiring the GPT-4o from ChatGPT today (13 February 2026), closing the chapter on one of the most used and controversial AI models. The retirement was first announced on 29 January 2026. It also affects GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and o4-mini.
Recently, these models came under increasing scrutiny. A Wall Street Journal report raised concerns about the model’s tendency to strongly affirm users. Analysts described this feature as overly validating, regardless of a person’s emotional state. While some users developed strong emotional connections with the chatbot, others claimed that it increased vulnerabilities.
OpenAI mentioned in its blog post: “We’re announcing the upcoming retirement of GPT‑4o today because these improvements are now in place, and because the vast majority of usage has shifted to GPT‑5.2, with only 0.1% of users still choosing GPT‑4o each day.”
The tech giant is rolling out new safety protocols and age-aware content filtering in its model.
People who believe they are in relationships with an AI companion often feel that the chatbot reciprocates their feelings. Research into the potential risks (and potential benefits) of AI companions is needed, especially as more young people turn to AI companions. A California judge consolidated 13 lawsuits against OpenAI, alleging that interactions with GPT-4o caused psychological harm in minors.
Analysts worry that if the AI chatbot begins hallucinating ideas of its own or role-playing as an entity with thoughts and romantic feelings, users can get lost in the machine. Some users have already expressed disgust at OpenAI’s decision to retire these empathetic models
OpenAI acknowledged that GPT-4o provided meaningful value to many users while posing risks to others. CEO Sam Altman stated that the model was popular among some users but harmful to a subset of users. In its initial announcement, OpenAI stated that usage had largely shifted to GPT-5.2, with only a small fraction of users still using GPT-4o.
While API access remains unchanged, ChatGPT users will be directed to new models from today onwards. For GPT‑5.1 and GPT‑5.2, users can choose from base styles and tones like Friendly and adjust controls for warmth and enthusiasm.
ChatGPT still holds 64.5% market share as of February 2026. In the last month, the company witnessed a 3.73% month-over-month growth after two consecutive months of decline.
Competitors are closing the gap fast. ChatGPT’s traffic share hits its lowest point since 2023 as Google and other AI companies move faster with innovation. OpenAI is shipping more capable tools while deploying more safety gates.
OpenAI is centralizing control through one default model, restricted APIs, and mandatory upgrades, while expanding its capabilities.
OpenAI confirmed, “More broadly, we’re continuing to improve ChatGPT across areas users have told us need work. This includes further improvements to personality and creativity, as well as addressing unnecessary refusals and overly cautious or preachy responses, with updates coming soon.”
“We’re continuing to make progress toward a version of ChatGPT designed for adults over 18, grounded in the principle of treating adults like adults, and expanding user choice and freedom within appropriate safeguards. To support this, we’ve rolled out age prediction (opens in a new window) for users under 18 in most markets,” the blog post added.
As rivals accelerate innovation, the move signals a recalibration aimed at strengthening performance, scalability, and long-term market leadership.
