OpenAI to retire several of its legacy models

OpenAI has confirmed it will retire several legacy AI models from ChatGPT on February 13, 2026, as part of its broader transition toward the newer GPT-5 series. The models set to be removed include GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini and OpenAI o4-mini.

The move follows the previously announced retirement of GPT-5 Instant and GPT-5 Thinking and applies only to ChatGPT. OpenAI stressed that there are no changes to its API at this stage, giving developers more flexibility to plan and execute migrations, according to reporting by American media.

While multiple older models are being phased out, OpenAI said GPT-4o required special consideration because of its popularity among a subset of users. The company had initially deprecated GPT-4o during the GPT-5 rollout, before restoring access after feedback revealed how heavily some users relied on it for everyday tasks.

OpenAI said Plus and Pro subscribers in particular asked for more time to transition key workflows, especially those involving creative ideation. Many cited GPT-4o’s conversational warmth and tone as a distinguishing feature.

“That feedback directly shaped GPT-5.1 and GPT-5.2, with improvements to personality, stronger support for creative ideation, and more ways to customize how ChatGPT responds,” the company said.

According to OpenAI, users can now select from different base styles and tones, including friendlier responses, and fine-tune attributes such as warmth and enthusiasm.

“Our goal is to give people more control and customization over how ChatGPT feels to use, not just what it can do,” the statement added.

The company said the timing of the retirement reflects a major shift in user behaviour. OpenAI disclosed that the vast majority of ChatGPT usage has already moved to GPT-5.2, with just 0.1 per cent of users still selecting GPT-4o on a daily basis.

Beyond the model retirements, OpenAI outlined further updates planned for ChatGPT, including continued improvements to personality, creativity and response balance. The company said it is working to reduce unnecessary refusals and responses that users perceive as overly cautious or preachy, with additional changes expected in the near future.

OpenAI also reiterated progress toward a version of ChatGPT designed specifically for users aged 18 and over, based on what it described as a principle of “treating adults like adults.” As part of that effort, the company has rolled out age-prediction systems for users under 18 in most markets, alongside expanded user choice within defined safety safeguards.

By Nazrin Sadigova