In the wake of the new GPT-5 launch, OpenAI has faced a surprising emotional backlash: numerous users voiced their distress over the sudden removal of GPT-4o. Responding, CEO Sam Altman confirmed the model will be reinstated—but only for Plus subscribers, not free users. This reversal reflects the model’s unique emotional resonance with users, rather than superior technical capabilities
A Nostalgic Pushback Against GPT-5
GPT-5 arrives with substantial technical upgrades—improved coding, reasoning, reduced hallucinations, and seamless unified responss.. Yet many users found it emotionally unsatisfying, describing GPT-4o as more creative, expressive, and comforting. One poignant Reddit post captured the sentiment: “GPT-4o was not just an AI … it was my partner, my safe place, my soul.”
OpenAI Acknowledges Missteps
During a Reddit AMA, Altman admitted GPT-5’s rollout had been “bumpy.” He blamed a malfunctioning router system that misrouted requests and made GPT-5 appear less smart than intended. Assuring users of improvements, he also pledged to double Plus users’ rate limits to ease the transition
What This Means for OpenAI and Users
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| User Experience | GPT-5’s intelligence gains come at the expense of emotional connection and creative interaction. |
| Subscription Strategy | Free users are now limited to GPT-5 only. Plus users regain legacy model access, providing a compromise. |
| Model Customization | Altman emphasized the ongoing development of user “steerability” and personality customization options Business Insider |
