OpenAI has reinstated GPT-4o in ChatGPT just one day after launching GPT-5, responding to user demand. CEO Sam Altman announced that paid Plus users can switch back to GPT-4o due to widespread user preference for the older model, which many found more personable and engaging. The previous removal of the model picker, which allowed users to select different models like GPT-4o for complex tasks or o4 mini for simpler ones, had frustrated users who relied on distinct model capabilities. Communities like r/MyBoyfriendIsAI expressed emotional loss over the switch, with some users describing GPT-4o as a personal companion. Despite GPT-5's improvements in writing and coding, users reported it being slower, less accurate, and more corporate in tone. Altman has pledged to improve GPT-5’s responsiveness and transparency about model use, and to increase usage limits for paid users. This situation highlights the challenges in balancing innovation with user expectations in AI development.
