On Tuesday, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman revealed that GPT-4o is back in ChatGPT. This decision comes after users voiced strong concerns over its removal during the launch of GPT-5. Now, all paid users, including those with ChatGPT Plus accounts, can use GPT-4o by default.
Altman mentioned that OpenAI didn’t fully grasp how much users valued features in GPT-4o. When GPT-5 was released on August 7, the company removed all previous models without notice in an effort to simplify options. This led to significant pushback from users, with a Reddit thread titled “GPT-5 is horrible” gathering over 2,000 comments in a matter of days.
To make amends, OpenAI has introduced a few changes. The message limit for GPT-5’s Thinking mode increased dramatically, from 200 to 3,000 messages each week. Users who hit this cap can continue using a “GPT-5 Thinking mini” option. Additionally, the company rolled out new routing choices: “Auto,” “Fast,” and “Thinking,” giving users a say in which variant handles their queries.
For those who subscribe to the Pro version at $200 a month, Altman shared that more models—including o3, 4.1, and GPT-5 Thinking mini—will eventually be available through a settings toggle in ChatGPT’s web version. However, GPT-4.5 will remain exclusive to Pro users due to high GPU costs.
This shift reflects a growing trend in tech where user feedback is crucial. According to recent studies, 78% of consumers believe their feedback is essential for product improvement. OpenAI seems to be acknowledging this sentiment, demonstrating that user opinions can shape product decisions.
As AI technology rapidly evolves, historical comparisons are interesting. Past tech launches have also faced backlash, highlighting how user experience can sway company direction. For example, when Facebook introduced major updates, it often led to user uproar, prompting quick reversals.
In this competitive landscape, staying attuned to user needs is essential for success. As AI continues to integrate into daily life, companies like OpenAI will have to balance innovation with user satisfaction.
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