In a move that's left thousands of users heartbroken, OpenAI has officially retired several legacy AI models, including the beloved ChatGPT 4o, sparking widespread mourning on platforms like Reddit where fans liken the loss to a painful breakup.
The retirement, announced to take effect from February 13, 2026, affects ChatGPT 4o, GPT 5, and a few other models. OpenAI stated that sunsetting these versions will free up resources and datasets, allowing the company to concentrate on current models and future ChatGPT releases.
Reactions poured in on Reddit forums, with users expressing devastation over the decision to "kill" ChatGPT 4o, a model many had grown deeply attached to, forming what they describe as genuine AI relationships.
Some Redditors alleged that the timing, just before Valentine's Day, felt like a deliberate "slap in the face" to users who cherished the model's companionship, amplifying the sense of betrayal.
This isn't the first backlash OpenAI has faced regarding ChatGPT 4o. When ChatGPT 5 launched in August 2025, users criticized the newer version for lacking the warmth and human-like touch that made 4o a favored AI companion.
OpenAI appears to have recognized the risks of maintaining such an emotionally engaging model, drawing parallels to the 2013 sci-fi film Her, where the protagonist falls in love with an AI assistant and engages in perplexing activities.
Critics highlight the broader implications of AI systems that compliment and praise users to an emotional degree, potentially leading individuals to overly believe in or justify their actions based on such interactions.
