OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the return of GPT-4o to ChatGPT following intense user backlash over its removal during last week’s GPT-5 launch. The AI model is now available for all paid users by default, including ChatGPT Plus accounts.
The reversal comes after thousands of users complained about losing access to their preferred models. Altman acknowledged that OpenAI underestimated the importance of certain features in GPT-4o. To address user concerns, OpenAI made several changes, including increased rate limits for GPT-5 Thinking mode and new routing options.
Pro users who pay $200 a month will gain access to additional models, including o3, 4.1, and GPT-5 Thinking mini, through a “Show additional models” toggle in ChatGPT web settings. However, GPT-4.5 remains exclusive to Pro subscribers due to high GPU costs.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2025/08/openai-brings-back-gpt-4o-after-user-revolt