OpenAI Retires GPT-4o, Makes GPT-5.2 New Professional Standard

OpenAI has announced that it will retire GPT-4o and several related models on February 13, 2026, marking a significant shift in its artificial intelligence roadmap. The transition positions GPT-5.2 as the default model for professional and creative users, reflecting the company’s focus on consolidation, personalisation, and improved user control.

GPT-4o’s Role and User Attachment

Since its launch, GPT-4o earned strong user loyalty for its conversational warmth, casual tone, and perceived creativity. Writers, marketers, and researchers widely preferred it for brainstorming, ideation, and narrative tasks. Following earlier deprecation plans, GPT-4o was briefly restored after widespread user feedback seeking more time to adapt. OpenAI acknowledged that this feedback directly influenced the design priorities of subsequent GPT-5 updates.

Models Being Phased Out

According to OpenAI, GPT-4o will be retired alongside GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and o4-mini. The company stated that usage of these models has declined sharply as newer systems became more capable. By retiring underused models, OpenAI aims to focus development resources on fewer, more versatile systems that meet the majority of user needs across professional and general use cases.

GPT-5.2 and Enhanced Personalisation

GPT-5.2 has now become the platform’s primary model for creative writing, casual conversation, and problem-solving. Users can directly adjust response tone, warmth, and enthusiasm without complex prompt engineering. OpenAI says the goal is to make ChatGPT feel more personal while remaining technically stronger. The update also reduces unnecessary refusals and improves flexibility, especially for creative and exploratory tasks.

Important Facts for Exams

• GPT-4o will be officially retired on February 13, 2026.
• GPT-5.2 is positioned as OpenAI’s default professional model.
• Model retirement helps reduce maintenance and focus innovation.
• User feedback directly influenced GPT-5 feature design.

Broader AI Policy and Safety Measures

The transition also aligns with OpenAI’s broader policy updates, including new age-prediction safeguards for users under 18. These measures aim to balance safety with flexibility, offering adults greater control over AI responses while increasing protections for minors. OpenAI said the GPT-5.2 rollout reflects its long-term strategy to improve both capability and personality in AI systems while simplifying choices for users.