ChatGPT 4o and Other Versions Retiring: What Users Need to Know

• OpenAI confirms the retirement of ChatGPT 4o and several other AI models, including 4.1, 4.1 Mini, o4 Mini, and GPT Instant/Thinking, by February 13, 2026.
• The company cites the availability of newer, more stable models like ChatGPT 5 and the cost-intensive nature of maintaining older versions as reasons for retirement.
• ChatGPT 4o was highly regarded by many users for its conversational abilities, with some claiming it was superior to the newer GPT 5 model.
• Despite claims of reduced usage, social media users express surprise and concern over the early retirement of the popular 4o version.
• OpenAI has also launched "Prism," a free, cloud-based AI workspace for the scientific community to aid research and scientific writing.

Why It Matters: OpenAI is retiring ChatGPT 4o and other older AI models by February 2026, citing cost and newer versions.