OpenAI Reverses Course: GPT-4o Returns as Default for ChatGPT Subscribers
OpenAI
GPT-4o
GPT-5
Large Language Models
AI
ChatGPT
Enterprise AI
7
Stabilization, Not Revolution
Media Hype
6/10
Real Impact
7/10
What is the Viqus Verdict?
We evaluate each news story based on its real impact versus its media hype to offer a clear and objective perspective.
AI Analysis:
While the changes represent a strategic shift, the immediate impact is focused on damage control and user satisfaction, not a fundamental revolution in the technology itself. The underlying trend towards increasingly powerful and customizable LLMs remains, but the focus is now on refining the user experience.
Article Summary
OpenAI has reversed a recent shift, announcing that GPT-4o will once again be the default option for all paying ChatGPT subscribers. This change follows a turbulent initial rollout of GPT-5, which encountered infrastructure issues and user frustration. Subscribers will now have increased control with the new "Show Additional Models" setting, restoring access to GPT-4.1, o3, and o4-mini. The company is also introducing "Auto", "Fast", and "Thinking" modes for GPT-5, alongside adjusted rate limits (3,000 messages/week for "Thinking" mode). Sam Altman is planning a "warmer" personality for GPT-5, while also exploring per-user customization to address strong user attachments to previous models. These changes are designed to address initial user concerns and provide greater control for paying subscribers navigating the evolving landscape of OpenAI's LLMs.Key Points
- GPT-4o will now be the default language model for all paying ChatGPT subscribers.
- Users can choose between ‘Auto’, ‘Fast’, and ‘Thinking’ modes for GPT-5, offering greater control over response speed and complexity.
- OpenAI is planning to adjust the personality of GPT-5 and investigate per-user customization options.