On Feb 13, 2026, OpenAI retired several classic models, including GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and GPT-o4 mini, from the ChatGPT web and app interfaces. This change means everyone must now use newer systems, mainly GPT-5.2, as OpenAI focuses on more advanced models that, according to the company, are safer.
Here’s what the February 13 model update means for your saved chats and how you work:
Impact on Saved chats
- You will still have access to your existing conversations and chat history. You can read and refer to your old chats as before.
- If you keep a conversation that uses GPT-4.0, it will now automatically switch to GPT-5.2.
- Since the model is changing, you may notice differences in the chats, personality, tone, or creative style. GPT-5.2 is designed to be more precise and less warm than GPT-4.
Key Changes and What to Know
- You won’t be able to choose GPT-4o from the model menu anymore.
- Some GPTs that used the retired models will now automatically use GPT-5.2 as their default.
- Although these models are no longer in the ChatGPT app, developers can still access them through the API for a limited time.
- Business, enterprise, and edu customers will still have access to GPT-4o and custom GPTs until April 13, 2026.
Why Did This Happen
OpenAI said that only 0.1% of daily users were still using GPT-4o, whilst most had already switched to GPT-5.2. This change helps OpenAI focus on newer, more capable, and customizable models that give users better control over tone and manner, reducing the need to switch between models.
What Should You Do
- You used GPT-4o for certain tasks; try those prompts in GPT-5.2 to see how the mood changes and make any needed adjustments.
- If you have important data, use the export data option in your settings to save your chat history.
- To make ChatGPT sound more like the older GPT-4o, update your custom instructions to ask for a friendly or less sterile tone.
OpenAI will retire GPT-4.0, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 Mini, and OpenAI O4 Mini in ChatGPT on 13th February 2026. GPT-5 (instant and thinking) will also be retired, as announced earlier. This change is meant to make ChatGPT faster and more reliable by focusing on current models. There are no API changes right now.
What’s changing and why?
The following models will leave ChatGPT on 13 February 2026:
- GPT-4o
- GPT-4.1
- GPT-4.1 Mini
- OpenAI o4 Mini
The retirement of GPT-5 was announced earlier.
Retiring these models helps improve reliability, performance, and support. It also lets us invest more in the latest models and features.
This retirement only affects ChatGPT. There are no changes to the API at this time. If you use legacy model snapshots in the API, please check the deprecations page and Azure notices for updates.
Practical Guidance (users & admins)
Individuals (ChatGPT):
- Let your team know about the change and suggest updated templates or prompts.
- Check your team’s playbook for any references to specific legacy model names.
- If your team is regulated, update any screenshots or process documents that show the model switcher.
Developers
- If you build API apps, check the deprecations page regularly. If you use Azure OpenAI, be aware that retirement timelines and auto-upgrade plans may differ.
Example Transitions
- If you move from GPT-4.0 to GPT-5.2, retest your saved prompts and add tone instructions, such as asking for concise Warm or British English responses.
- If you switch from GPT-4.1 Mini to the current lightweight model, check the latency and quality. Adjust the temperature and make max tokens if necessary.
- If you move from O4 Mini to the current O-class replacement, make sure tool use behaviors and output formats are as expected.
Risks & Good Practice
- Expectation drift: Legacy models may have had a distinct feel, capture style via instructions/examples
- Run quick acceptance tests again on your key prompts to check accuracy, format, and latency.
- Keep a record of your model settings, pin versions if possible, and save notes for rolling back prompts if needed.
FAQs
What models are being retired?
GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 Mini, and OpenAI o4 mini leave ChatGPT on 13 February 2026. GPT-5 (instant/thinking) retirement was previously announced.
Why is OpenAI retiring from these models?
We are making this change to improve your experience, improve performance and reliability, and focus on newer models.
Will there be changes to the API?
There are no API changes right now. Please keep an eye on the official deprecation notices for updates about snapshots and Azure timelines.
How will this affect users?
Most users do not need to do anything. The default model will switch to the latest versions, which offer better performance and stability.
How can I preserve a legacy modes tone?
To match the previous model’s behavior, use custom instructions and include a short style block with examples of tone, phrasing, and dos and don’ts.
