OpenAI sparks uproar by abruptly retiring GPT-4o, but Sam Altman pledges its return for Plus users

The surprise deprecation of GPT-4o for ChatGPT consumers. OpenAI retired several older ChatGPT consumer models, including GPT-4o, immediately upon GPT-5 launch to simplify the user experience and reduce confusion from the prior model picker. Conversations using retired models automatically switched to the closest GPT-5 variant or specialized modes like GPT-5-Thinking. This removal frustrated users who preferred GPT-4o for creative, emotional, and long-form interactions rather than coding tasks. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded by promising to restore GPT-4o access for Plus subscribers, reflecting openness to community feedback...