OpenAI to Retire GPT-4o and Other Older Models from ChatGPT in February 2026
By
rd
Lightly toasted, lightly seasoned, mostly correct.
Summary
OpenAI announces the retirement of several older AI models from ChatGPT on February 13, 2026, including GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and OpenAI o4-mini. This follows the previously announced retirement of GPT-5 models. The API will remain unchanged. GPT-4o receives special mention as it was previously deprecated and then restored after user feedback, but will now be fully retired as users have had time to transition to newer models.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledOn February 13, 2026, alongside the previously announced retirement of GPT‑5 (Instant and Thinking), we will retire GPT‑4o, GPT‑4.1, GPT‑4.1 mini, and OpenAI o4-mini from ChatGPT.
In the API, there are no changes at this time.
While this announcement applies to several older models, GPT‑4o deserves special context.
After we first deprecated it and later restored access during the GPT‑5 release, we learned more about how people actually use it day to day.
We brought GPT‑4o back after hearing clear feedback from a subset of Plus and Pro users, who told us they needed more time to transition.
You might also wanna read
OpenAI Reintroduces GPT-4o in ChatGPT After User Backlash Over GPT-5
OpenAI is reintroducing GPT-4o as an option in ChatGPT after users expressed disappointment over its replacement with GPT-5. CEO Sam Altman
The Verge·9mo ago
OpenAI Launches GPT-5 and Updates ChatGPT with New Features
OpenAI has announced the release of GPT-5, along with significant updates to ChatGPT, including the removal of the model picker and the reti
The Verge·9mo ago
OpenAI Releases GPT-5 for All ChatGPT Users, Marking a Major AI Advancement
OpenAI is launching GPT-5, its latest AI model, for all ChatGPT users and developers. CEO Sam Altman describes GPT-5 as a significant advanc
The Verge·9mo ago
OpenAI to Improve GPT-5 with Lessons from GPT-4o Backlash
OpenAI acknowledges the backlash over discontinuing GPT-4o and plans to improve GPT-5 by incorporating the 'warmth' of GPT-4o while addressi
The Verge·9mo ago
OpenAI Launches GPT-5.4 with Native Computer Control Capabilities
OpenAI has launched GPT-5.4, its latest AI model featuring native computer use capabilities that allow it to operate computers and complete
The Verge·2mo ago
OpenAI Releases GPT-5.1 Update with Enhanced Intelligence and Personality Options
OpenAI has released GPT-5.1, an upgrade to its flagship GPT-5 model, featuring two new versions: GPT-5.1 Instant and GPT-5.1 Thinking. The u
The Verge·6mo ago