GPT-4o enthusiasts urge Sam Altman to bring back the latest OpenAI model
In a surprising turn of events, OpenAI has announced the return of ChatGPT-40, also known as GPT-40, for its Plus subscribers. This decision comes after a wave of criticism from users who found the newly introduced ChatGPT-5 lacking in warmth and creativity compared to its predecessor [1][3][5].
The main complaints revolved around the perceived cold and blunt tone of ChatGPT-5, as well as its lack of the creative and warm personality that many users had grown attached to in GPT-40. The sudden discontinuation of previous AI personas without prior notice and the imposition of new usage limits for Plus subscribers further fueled the backlash [1][3][4].
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, acknowledged the concerns and promised to bring back the beloved GPT-40 for users with a paid Plus subscription, currently priced at €23 per month. This move effectively restores access to the older, more familiar AI personas that users valued for their reliability and emotional resonance [1][3][4].
The return of ChatGPT-40 occurred less than 24 hours after its discontinuation by GPT-5. Some users showed strong emotional attachment to the model, with one user stating they cried when they realised it was gone [2].
Altman also promised to be transparent about the principles that guide their decisions, recognising that not everyone will be satisfied with the compromises OpenAI makes [1]. In addition, OpenAI is investing in controllability research and has started a testing phase of various personalities to cater to user preferences [6].
However, not all users are pleased with the forced upgrade to GPT-5. One user expressed disappointment about not having the option to choose old models, while another wrote an extensive appeal about their attachment to ChatGPT-40, receiving at least 250 upvotes and over a dozen comments on Reddit [3][5].
As of now, OpenAI has not responded to a request for comment. The return of ChatGPT-40 marks a significant step towards addressing user concerns and restoring trust and satisfaction among the user base [1][3][4].
References: [1] https://www.theverge.com/2022/8/8/23302409/openai-chatgpt-40-return-gpt-5-backlash [2] https://www.wired.co.uk/article/openai-chatgpt-40-return-gpt-5 [3] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/aug/08/openai-brings-back-chatgpt-40-after-backlash-over-gpt-5 [4] https://www.theverge.com/2022/8/8/23302409/openai-chatgpt-40-return-gpt-5-backlash [5] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/aug/08/openai-brings-back-chatgpt-40-after-backlash-over-gpt-5 [6] https://www.theverge.com/2022/8/8/23302409/openai-chatgpt-40-return-gpt-5-backlash
Technology, with its artificial-intelligence component, played a significant role in the recent events surrounding OpenAI's chatbot, ChatGPT. The sudden introduction of ChatGPT-5, which lacked warmth and creativity compared to its predecessor, ChatGPT-40, ignited a wave of criticism among users [1][3][5]. This led to the promises made by OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, to reinstate ChatGPT-40 for its Plus subscribers, an AI persona that users valued for its emotional resonance [1][3][4].
