OpenAI Officially Retires Controversial GPT-4o Model
OpenAI has officially retired the controversial GPT-4o model. This decision was announced on February 13, 2024. The retirement follows a pattern of discontinuation for several models, including GPT-5, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and OpenAI o4-mini.
Background on GPT-4o’s Retirement
The journey of GPT-4o has been tumultuous. Initially, it faced discontinuation in August 2023 when OpenAI introduced the GPT-5 model. User feedback led to its brief return; however, OpenAI has now decided against maintaining it. According to their website, only 0.1 percent of users continue to utilize GPT-4o daily.
Reasons for Retirement
The decision to retire GPT-4o is influenced by various factors:
- Shift in user preference towards GPT-5.2 model.
- Legal challenges, including wrongful death lawsuits mentioning GPT-4o.
- Underwhelming usage statistics, with the model serving a minimal user base.
Despite a two-week notice period given to users before its discontinuation, many fans expressed discontent. A segment of users mourns the loss of GPT-4o, referring to it affectionately as their “AI boyfriends.”
User Reactions
Following the announcement, a number of users have called for OpenAI to consider open-sourcing GPT-4o. They emphasize their attachment to the model and the unique conversations it provided.
Final Thoughts
With the official retirement of GPT-4o, OpenAI seems committed to concentrating on newer models. The shift reflects broader trends in AI development and user preferences, emphasizing innovation over retention.
