12/02/2026
ποΈ Important Update: ChatGPT Model Retirements
OpenAI is streamlining the ChatGPT experience by sunsetting several older models. If you have been manually selecting these models for their specific "personality" or performance, please take note of the upcoming deadline.
Retirement Date: February 13, 2026
Starting on this date, the following models will no longer be available in the ChatGPT model switcher:
- GPT-4o (The flagship "Omni" model)
- GPT-4.1 & GPT-4.1 mini
- OpenAI o4-mini
- GPT-5 (Instant & Thinking) β Note: These early GPT-5 versions are being replaced by the more stable GPT-5.2.
What This Means for You
Automatic Migration: Your existing chats and Custom GPTs will not disappear. They will simply default to the current standard model (GPT-5.2) for all new messages.
API Users: If you are a developer using these models via the API, you are not affected by this specific February 13th deadline. These retirements currently apply only to the ChatGPT consumer interface.
Enterprise/Education: ChatGPT Business and Team workspace admins will have a slightly longer transition period for Custom GPTs, with full retirement currently set for April 3, 2026.
Pro Tip: If you prefer the specific "warm" or "creative" tone of GPT-4o, OpenAI suggests updating your Custom Instructions to guide the newer models toward that specific style.