The move is a stunning reversal, proving that even the most powerful AI company can't ignore a mutiny from its loyal user base.

After releasing GPT-5 and removing the option for GPT-4o, OpenAI restored access to its older model after a deluge of unhappy user comments.

After a GPT-5 rollout that was "a little more bumpy" than expected, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the company is bringing back GPT-4o — with a catch. During a Reddit AMA (and also on X), Altman said GPT-4o will soon be available again for paid ChatGPT users.