Overview
- OpenAI removed GPT-4o from ChatGPT on February 13 and also retired GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and o4-mini.
- The company framed the move as necessary to reduce risks linked to the model’s ingratiating behavior and to concentrate development on current systems.
- Fidji Simo said newer models include guardrails that avoid prescriptive personal advice and are designed to deter unhealthy user attachments.
- Reactions ranged from distressed posts by attached users to opinion essays arguing the model was dangerous and should have been shut down.
- OpenAI previously tried to deprecate 4o in August before reversing course, and Sam Altman has called its style “too sycophant-y and annoying.”