Users of ChatGPT have voiced their discontent following the recent debut of OpenAI’s artificial intelligence model, GPT-5. Launched on Thursday, GPT-5 aims to unify the GPT series and the newer o-series, with the intention of creating a more comprehensive model that eliminates the need for users to switch between various models via a dropdown menu. In conjunction with this release, OpenAI also discontinued older models, an action that has sparked significant complaints from users regarding the removal of GPT-4o.
ChatGPT Users Want GPT-4o Back
A growing number of users are taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction with GPT-5, claiming it falls short when compared to its predecessor, GPT-4o. A Reddit user criticized the new model for providing overly brief responses that lack depth and personality.
During an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded to user feedback, including comments from a user named u/Naddybear, who stated, “I’ve been using GPT-4o for a long time and have built a very specific dynamic and workflow with it… I know GPT-5 is designed to excel at complex reasoning, coding, and professional tasks, but not all of us require a pro coding model. Some of us depend on 4o for creative collaboration, emotional nuance, roleplay, and other lengthy, context-rich interactions.” Altman assured users he would address these concerns.
Shortly thereafter, Altman announced via X (previously Twitter) that forthcoming updates will enhance user experience. He indicated that Plus subscribers will soon benefit from double the rate limits for GPT-5, addressing complaints from users who reported hitting the rate limit rapidly.
Moreover, Altman confirmed that Plus subscribers would retain access to GPT-4o, with OpenAI keeping an eye on usage levels to assess how long the model should remain available. He elaborated on the reasons some users may perceive GPT-5 to be underwhelming.
According to Altman, the “autoswitcher,” which allows the model to alternate capabilities based on the nature of the query, was temporarily non-operational. This malfunction hindered GPT-5’s ability to perform optimally, contributing to a perception that the new model was less capable.
OpenAI is now working on modifications to its model-switching system to better align user queries with the most suitable model. Altman also mentioned that ChatGPT will provide greater transparency concerning which model is utilized for generating responses, a move designed to eliminate any potential confusion among users.
OpenAI CEO Says Company Is Running on Loss, But It’s Okay
In a recent interview with CNBC post-GPT-5 launch, Altman revealed that OpenAI is currently operating at a loss, despite reporting annual revenues in the billions. Nevertheless, he expressed a lack of concern over this situation, stating, “As long as we’re on this very distinct curve of the model getting better and better, I think the rational thing to do is to just be willing to run the loss for quite a while.”
In the previous year, OpenAI reportedly generated $3.7 billion in revenue but faced losses amounting to $5 billion. A significant portion of the company’s expenses is allocated to powering and maintaining in-house servers and covering costs associated with rented servers from external providers. These substantial expenses may have influenced the decision to phase out older models.
However, the unique characteristics of the older AI models suggest that GPT-5 has yet to fully replicate their capabilities. This places OpenAI in a difficult position, as continuing to offer the older models may exacerbate financial losses, while their removal can lead to considerable pushback from users.
