OpenAI has responded to user feedback by restoring GPT-4o access for paid ChatGPT subscribers following concerns about the recent GPT-5 rollout. The AI company announced it will now provide advance notice before removing models, addressing complaints about sudden changes to available AI models.
This move comes after significant pushback from the ChatGPT community when GPT-4o disappeared from the model picker during GPT-5’s launch. Alongside bringing back the popular model, OpenAI has introduced new speed controls that give users more flexibility in how they interact with GPT-5.
What Changed with the GPT-4o Restoration
GPT-4o Back in the Model Picker
Paid ChatGPT users can now access GPT-4o directly from the model picker without any additional steps. This addresses the primary concern that many users had when their preferred AI model vanished without warning.
For those wanting even more options, OpenAI has added a toggle in Settings called Show additional models. This feature reveals legacy models including:
- o3 and o4-mini
- GPT-4.1 (available on Plus and Team plans)
- GPT-4.5 (exclusive to Pro subscribers)
This expanded model access ensures users can choose the AI that best fits their specific use cases and preferences.
Enhanced GPT-5 Speed Controls
The new GPT-5 interface now offers three distinct modes that balance response speed with reasoning capability:
Auto Mode: The default setting that automatically optimizes for most common tasks
Fast Mode: Prioritizes quick responses for simple queries and rapid interactions
Thinking Mode: Delivers deeper reasoning and analysis for complex problems
According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, most users will find Auto mode sufficient for their needs, but the additional control options provide valuable flexibility for specific workflows.
Technical Improvements and Capacity Upgrades
Thinking Mode Gets Major Boost
GPT-5 Thinking mode now supports significantly higher usage limits, offering:
- Up to 3,000 messages per week
- 196k-token context window for processing lengthy documents
- Seamless transition to GPT-5 Thinking mini when weekly limits are reached
This enhanced capacity makes GPT-5 Thinking particularly valuable for professionals who need to analyze extensive reports, technical documentation, or large content collections in single sessions.
Usage Limits and Fair Access
OpenAI has implemented a tiered approach to ensure fair access across all users:
- Standard Usage: Regular limits for Auto and Fast modes
- Extended Thinking: 3,000 weekly messages for complex reasoning tasks
- Overflow Protection: Automatic switching to mini versions when limits are reached
The company notes that these limits may evolve based on usage patterns and infrastructure improvements.
Personality and User Experience Updates
Balanced AI Personality
OpenAI is fine-tuning GPT-5’s default personality to strike a better balance. The goal is creating an AI that feels “warmer than the current personality but not as annoying as GPT-4o” according to internal feedback.
This personality adjustment process involves:
- Analyzing user feedback from both GPT-4o and early GPT-5 interactions
- Testing different response styles with diverse user groups
- Implementing gradual changes to avoid jarring transitions
Future Customization Options
The company has acknowledged the need for more personalized AI interactions. While specific details haven’t been announced, OpenAI is working on per-user personality controls that would allow individuals to customize their ChatGPT experience.
How to Access These New Features
Enabling Additional Models
To access the full range of available AI models:
- Open ChatGPT in your browser or app
- Navigate to Settings
- Select General from the menu
- Toggle on Show additional models
Once enabled, you’ll see all legacy models alongside the newest options in your model picker.
Choosing the Right Mode for Your Tasks
Use Fast Mode when:
- You need quick answers to straightforward questions
- Performing simple research or fact-checking
- Having casual conversations or brainstorming sessions
Use Auto Mode when:
- Handling typical daily tasks and general queries
- You want the system to optimize automatically
- Working on standard content creation or analysis
Use Thinking Mode when:
- Tackling complex problem-solving scenarios
- Analyzing detailed technical documents
- Requiring multi-step reasoning or logical analysis
- Working with large datasets or comprehensive reports
Strategic Implications for ChatGPT Users
Workflow Continuity
The return of GPT-4o ensures that existing workflows won’t face disruption. Users who had optimized their processes around GPT-4o’s specific capabilities can continue their work while gradually exploring GPT-5’s new features.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
With multiple models now available, paid subscribers can optimize their usage based on:
- Task complexity: Match the AI model to your specific needs
- Response time requirements: Choose speed versus depth based on urgency
- Monthly usage patterns: Distribute complex tasks across different models
Future-Proofing Strategies
OpenAI’s commitment to providing advance notice about model changes means users can:
- Plan transitions between AI models more effectively
- Test new features before old ones disappear
- Maintain backup workflows using multiple model options
Looking Forward: What This Means for AI Users
Improved Communication from OpenAI
This situation has led to better communication practices from OpenAI. The company now promises:
- Advance notice before removing or significantly changing models
- Clearer documentation of feature changes and updates
- More responsive feedback integration from the user community
Enhanced User Control
The expanded model selection and speed controls represent a shift toward giving users more agency in their AI interactions. This trend suggests future updates will likely include even more customization options.
Competitive Positioning
By responding quickly to user feedback and restoring popular features, OpenAI demonstrates its commitment to user satisfaction in an increasingly competitive AI market. This responsiveness could influence how other AI companies handle similar transitions.
Conclusion
The restoration of GPT-4o alongside the introduction of enhanced GPT-5 controls shows OpenAI’s willingness to adapt based on user needs. These changes provide paid ChatGPT users with unprecedented flexibility in choosing how they interact with AI models.
Whether you prefer the familiar feel of GPT-4o or want to explore GPT-5’s advanced capabilities, the expanded options ensure you can find the right tool for each task. As OpenAI continues refining these features and promises better communication about future changes, users can expect a more stable and customizable ChatGPT experience moving forward.
The key is experimenting with different modes and models to discover what works best for your specific use cases. With proper advance notice now guaranteed for future changes, you can confidently build workflows around these powerful AI tools.
