OpenAI to Retire Several Older Models From ChatGPT in February

OpenAI is planning to retire several models from ChatGPT next month, including the popular GPT-4o model it brought back after the troubled launch of GPT-5 back in August. The ChatGPT model selector is currently only available for paid subscribers, though some older models require a Pro, Business, and Enterprise users.

Starting on February 13, 2026, the GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, OpenAI o4-mini, and GPT-5 (Instant and Thinking) will be retired from ChatGPT. OpenAI previously announced in November that its GPT-5 models would be retired in three months, and the company said today that GPT-5.2, its latest flagship model released in December, is now the most popular choice. This model also offers more customization for users who miss the conversational style and warmth of the older GPT-4o model.

“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,” OpenAI said today.

After introducing parental controls and a new age prediction technology on its ChatGPT consumer plans, OpenAI is still working on an “adult” version of the chatbot and “expanding user choice and freedom within appropriate safeguards.” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in October that ChatGPT will also add support for erotica for verified adult users, but only if they explicitly ask for it.