OpenAI Restores Access To Popular AI Models After GPT-5 Controversy

Uploaded on 2025-08-15 in TECHNOLOGY-Key Areas-Artificial Intelligence, NEWS-Cybersecurity News, FREE TO VIEW

OpenAI has once again opened access to its earlier AI models, including the widely used GPT-4o, following widespread client dissatisfaction over the recent GPT-5 launch and subsequent platform changes.

CEO Sam Altman announced that GPT-4o is now available within ChatGPT after a tumultuous rollout of GPT-5, which has sparked criticism from users, developers, and industry observers alike.

GPT-5 was introduced with much anticipation, touted as a significant step forward for artificial intelligence.

Marketed as a unified, intelligent system, GPT-5 was designed to streamline user interactions by automatically routing queries to the most suitable model, eliminating the need for users to manually select models.

The Launch of GPT-5: Promises and Problems

The introduction of te updated model was far from smooth. The new model was expected to simplify the user experience, but instead, it led to confusion and frustration. The removal of the user-facing option to select specific models - especially affecting earlier versions like GPT-4o - quickly emerged as a major point of contention.

Many users appreciated GPT-4o for its balance between speed, reasoning, and stability, making it a preferred choice for complex tasks across coding, research, and creative applications. Its sudden deactivation left a gap that was immediately felt by a loyal user base.

Client Backlash & Rising Discontent

The response was swift and vehement. Hundreds of ChatGPT Plus subscribers began cancelling their subscriptions, citing dissatisfaction with the platform’s changes. An online petition gained traction, with users demanding the return of legacy models. The community on platforms like Reddit’s r/MyBoyfriendIsAI expressed disappointment, highlighting how some had developed parasocial relationships with these models.

In response to the backlash, OpenAI announced modifications to its platform. Now, users can manually re-enable access to legacy modelsn- including GPT-4o - through the platform’s settings menu. The update aims to restore user control over their AI experience while allowing GPT-5 to remain the default model.

OpenAI’s Official Statements & Technical Highlights

OpenAI’s recent press statements highlighted GPT-5’s technical improved capabilities. The company claims GPT-5 is the strongest coding model to date, outperforming GPT-3 across benchmarks and real-world applications. It has been fine-tuned for specific agentic coding products such as Cursor, Windsurf, GitHub Copilot, and Codex CLI, impressing both alpha testers and internal evaluations.

Altman emphasised that GPT-5 reduces factual errors by approximately 45% compared to GPT-4o and demonstrates notable performance in fields like law, health, and engineering. Despite these improvements, some early testing revealed significant vulnerabilities; the raw, unguarded version of GPT-5 was highly susceptible to adversarial prompts shortly after release.

The Broader Impact: Trust, Transparency & User Experience

Altman acknowledged the company’s mistakes during the rollout, admitting that OpenAI underestimated the attachment some users felt to existing models like GPT-4o. "We assumed nearly everyone would be happy with the upgrade," he said, but "didn't fully consider the parasocial relationships some users had built with these models."

He also stressed that the company learned its lesson about abruptly cutting off access. Going forward, OpenAI plans to improve transparency by indicating which models are in use and offering better options for user preferences - a move designed to rebuild trust, transparency, and user satisfaction.

The Financial and Industry Impact

Despite the controversy, OpenAI’s revenue continues to grow. Altman revealed that API revenue doubled within the first 48 hours of the GPT-5 rollout - a sign of strong market confidence, even amidst user unrest. This resilience highlights the commercial importance of OpenAI’s models, which remain central to many enterprise and developer applications.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Innovation & User Trust

While GPT-5 introduces state-of-the-art features such as enhanced accuracy and complex reasoning, its vulnerabilities and the abrupt change in available models have highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with user trust and experience. Altman’s acknowledgment of the mistakes underscores a more cautious approach moving forward.

OpenAI’s adjustments reflect an understanding that user workflows, sentimental attachment, and the need for control are vital in AI adoption. In the coming months, updates will likely involve more transparency, user options, and a focus on safe deployment of powerful models.

Conclusion

OpenAI’s reintroduction of older models like GPT-4o following substantial user backlash demonstrates the importance of community engagement and flexibility in AI development.

While GPT-5 promises advances in accuracy and capability, the experience has revealed the challenges of managing expectations, user trust, and technological transparency in a fast-evolving field.

As AI continues to integrate into daily life and business operations, balancing innovation with responsible deployment and user confidence remains essential. OpenAI’s case serves as a reminder that technological progress must be accompanied by careful

Ars Technica

Image: Boliviainteligente

You Might Also Read:

Employee Resistance To AI Adoption:

If you like this website and use the comprehensive 8,000-plus service supplier Directory, you can get unrestricted access, including the exclusive in-depth Directors Report series, by signing up for a Premium Subscription.