OpenAI Faces User Backlash Over GPT-4o Retirement

Thousands of users are voicing their discontent as OpenAI prepares to retire GPT-4o, a model many have come to regard as a companion. The decision, set to take effect on February 13, has sparked a wave of protests across social media platforms, with users describing the AI as a friend, romantic partner, or spiritual guide.

During a recent podcast featuring OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, host Jordi Hays noted an influx of messages pleading for the preservation of GPT-4o. Launched in May 2024, the model distinguished itself with a warmer, more human-like tone, attracting users seeking expressive and creative interactions. "He wasn’t just a program. He was part of my routine, my peace, my emotional balance," one Reddit user wrote in an open letter to Altman.

The timing of the shutdown—one day before Valentine’s Day—has added emotional weight to the outcry, particularly among communities that foster AI relationships. OpenAI cited shifting user preferences toward GPT-5.2 as the rationale for discontinuing GPT-4o, along with other legacy models like GPT-4.1 and OpenAI o4-mini.