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OpenAI to Phase Out Older ChatGPT Models by February 2026
OpenAI has revealed plans to retire several legacy models from ChatGPT’s model selection interface on February 13, 2026. This includes the notable GPT-4o model among others.
Which ChatGPT Models Will Be Discontinued?
Per OpenAI’s official Help Center update, the following models will no longer be accessible within ChatGPT after the specified date: GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, OpenAI o4-mini, as well as the previously announced GPT-5 Instant and GPT-5 Thinking. Users will lose the ability to select or interact with these models inside the ChatGPT platform.
Impact on Your Current Conversations and Projects
Existing chats won’t be deleted, but they will no longer operate on the retired models. Instead, ongoing conversations will automatically transition to GPT-5.2, OpenAI’s latest iteration. Projects or chats originally utilizing GPT-4o or other deprecated models can continue seamlessly, but under the newer, supported models.
What About Custom GPTs?
For those who have developed or use custom GPTs configured to any of the retiring models, OpenAI confirms these will remain functional until February 13, 2026. On that day, the default model for these GPTs will switch to GPT-5.2, and all new interactions will be processed using this updated model.
Reasons Behind Retiring GPT-4o and Other Models
OpenAI’s blog sheds light on the rationale for retiring GPT-4o. Initially deprecated and then reinstated during the GPT-5 rollout, GPT-4o was favored by some users for its creative ideation capabilities and its engaging, warm conversational tone.
Feedback from users has directly influenced enhancements in GPT-5.1 and GPT-5.2, particularly in areas like personality expression, creative assistance, and customizable response styles. New features include selectable base tones such as “Friendly” and adjustable parameters for warmth and enthusiasm, aiming to replicate the qualities users appreciated in GPT-4o.
Another key factor is usage statistics: OpenAI reports that over 99.9% of users have migrated to GPT-5.2, with only a tiny fraction (0.1%) still opting for GPT-4o daily. Maintaining older models with minimal usage is no longer practical within ChatGPT.
What Remains Unchanged Amid These Updates
There are important clarifications to alleviate concerns about the retirement:
- API Access: These changes apply solely to ChatGPT’s interface. The OpenAI API continues to support these models for now, with any future API retirements to be announced well in advance.
- Voice Mode: ChatGPT Voice functionality remains unaffected. Although it uses a related base model, it is distinct from the text-based GPT-4o model being retired.
- Image Generation: ChatGPT’s image generation capabilities are also not impacted by this update, as they rely on different underlying models.
Preparing for the Transition Before February 13, 2026
If you frequently use GPT-4o or any other models slated for retirement, there’s no need to back up your chats, but it’s wise to prepare for the upcoming switch:
- Experiment with GPT-5.2: Test this latest model across your primary tasks such as content creation, brainstorming, coding, and research to ensure it meets your needs.
- Customize Tone and Style: If you valued GPT-4o’s distinctive warmth, explore GPT-5.2’s new customization options to tailor the tone and personality of responses.
- Review Custom GPTs: Check any custom GPTs pinned to older models, as they will automatically migrate to GPT-5.2 on the retirement date.
By proactively adapting to these changes, users can continue enjoying a smooth and enhanced ChatGPT experience with the latest advancements.
