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Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Shutterstock) After months of anticipation and a delayed rollout, GPT-5 finally landed for ChatGPT users; but less than 24 hours later, OpenAI is already reversing course. The company had fully swapped out GPT-4o for its new flagship model, leaving users with no way to switch back once they logged in. But backlash from loyal fans was swift and loud, with many lamenting the loss of GPT-4o’s personality and conversational style. Now, in a rare and rapid U-turn, CEO Sam Altman has confirmed that GPT-4o will return as a selectable option for Plus subscribers. You may like Nearly 5,000 GPT-5 users flock to Reddit in backlash — it 'feels like a downgrade' and 'I feel like I'm taking crazy pills' GPT-5 vs GPT-4: Here's what's different (and what's not) in ChatGPT's latest upgrade ChatGPT-5 is here — 7 biggest upgrades you need to know Wanted to provide more updates on the GPT-5 rollout and changes we are making heading into the weekend.1. We for sure underestimated how much some of the things that people like in GPT-4o matter to them, even if GPT-5 performs better in most ways.2. Users have very different…August 8, 2025 Why the sudden reversal? (Image credit: Shutterstock) GPT-5’s debut came with promises of better reasoning, faster coding assistance and improved long-form writing. But almost immediately, loyal GPT-4o users began voicing their disappointment. For many, GPT-5’s personality felt “colder” and more mechanical, even if it outperformed in certain technical tasks. On Reddit, threads with hundreds of comments compared GPT-4o’s removal to “losing a trusted friend,” while others described GPT-5 as “efficient but soulless.” X (formerly Twitter) lit up with pleas for GPT-4o’s return. A few even said they’d cancel their subscriptions if it wasn’t restored. He confirmed that GPT-4o would be reinstated for Plus subscribers, though its long-term availability will depend on how many people actually use it going forward. Why users care so much (Image credit: Shutterstock) The backlash highlights a growing truth in AI adoption: performance isn’t everything. Many users build a sense of trust and familiarity with a specific model’s tone, pacing and way of “thinking.” Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. GPT-4o had developed a reputation for being warmer, more conversational and more relatable than its successors. This shift also underscores how AI is a daily companion for many. Changing that overnight can feel jarring, even alienating. What this means for ChatGPT users (Image credit: Shutterstock) Model choice is back. You can once again choose GPT-4o if you prefer its tone and personality over GPT-5. Trust matters. The decision shows OpenAI is willing to prioritize user satisfaction, not just technical benchmarks. Personalization is the future of AI. The move may pave the way for even more customization in model selection, letting users match the AI’s personality to their needs. Bottom line OpenAI’s quick course correction shows the company is listening, and that emotional connection to AI matters just as much as raw performance. For now, GPT-4o’s return offers the best of both worlds for Plus subscribers: cutting-edge GPT-5 for when you want peak capability, and GPT-4o for when you want a familiar voice. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide GPT-5 vs GPT-4: I tested both on 7 real-world challenges — one dominated Google Finance gets AI makeover — here's how to try the new chatbot, real-time data and smarter charts ChatGPT-5 features — here's the 5 upgrades I would try first Back to Laptops AMD Ryzen 7 Intel Core i3 Intel Core i5 Intel Core i7 Storage Size Screen Size Refurbished Screen Type Storage Type Showing 10 of 129 deals Apple 13" MacBook Air M4 (2025) Apple 15" MacBook Air M4 (2025) (15-inch 1TB) $1,738View Dell XPS 13 (2016) Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 9) (512GB OLED) $858.11View Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i ChromeBook Plus (14-inch 2TB) $499.99View Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024) (14-inch 1TB) $1,579.95View Apple 13" MacBook Air M4 (2025) (16GB RAM SSD) Apple 15" MacBook Air M4 (2025) (16GB RAM SSD) Dell XPS 13 (13.4-inch 512GB) $1,399.99View Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x (Gen 9) $939.99View See more AI News Amanda Caswell Social Links Navigation Amanda Caswell is an award-winning journalist, bestselling YA author, and one of today’s leading voices in AI and technology. A celebrated contributor to various news outlets, her sharp insights and relatable storytelling have earned her a loyal readership. Amanda’s work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including outstanding contribution to media. Known for her ability to bring clarity to even the most complex topics, Amanda seamlessly blends innovation and creativity, inspiring readers to embrace the power of AI and emerging technologies. As a certified prompt engineer, she continues to push the boundaries of how humans and AI can work together. Beyond her journalism career, Amanda is a bestselling author of science fiction books for young readers, where she channels her passion for storytelling into inspiring the next generation. A long-distance runner and mom of three, Amanda’s writing reflects her authenticity, natural curiosity, and heartfelt connection to everyday life — making her not just a journalist, but a trusted guide in the ever-evolving world of technology. 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Nearly 5,000 GPT-5 users flock to Reddit in backlash — it 'feels like a downgrade' and 'I feel like I'm taking crazy pills' GPT-5 vs GPT-4: Here's what's different (and what's not) in ChatGPT's latest upgrade ChatGPT-5 is here — 7 biggest upgrades you need to know Sam Altman just teased GPT-5 with one question — and the answer says it all OpenAI ChatGPT-5 launch live updates — all the latest news and biggest upgrades OpenAI just made 5 major moves — what it means for you and ChatGPT Latest in AI Google Finance gets AI makeover — here's how to try the new chatbot, real-time data and smarter charts GPT-5 vs GPT-4: I tested both on 7 real-world challenges — one dominated Nearly 5,000 GPT-5 users flock to Reddit in backlash — it 'feels like a downgrade' and 'I feel like I'm taking crazy pills' Perplexity quietly rolls out AI video generation — here's everything you need to know GPT-5 vs GPT-4: Here's what's different (and what's not) in ChatGPT's latest upgrade GPT-5's most useful upgrade isn't speed — it's the multimodal improvements that matter Latest in News Netflix top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now Google Finance gets AI makeover — here's how to try the new chatbot, real-time data and smarter charts 5 best new movies to stream this weekend on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more (Aug. 9-10) Netflix unveils first look at new political thriller movie — and somehow my hype levels for this upcoming release just got even higher Prime Video top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now I just found the most suspenseful spy thriller on Prime Video — and now I don’t think I can sleep tonight LATEST ARTICLES Forget brain training — you can get smarter just by sleeping, says neuroscientist I just found the most suspenseful spy thriller on Prime Video — and now I don’t think I can sleep tonight You’ll live, die and repeat watching this Tom Cruise sci-fi action movie on Peacock this weekend Going back to school? These are my favorite noise canceling headphones to block out your noisy roommate I used Leonardo and Sora to design my own T-shirts with AI — here's what I'd actually wear Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. Terms and conditions Contact Future's experts Privacy policy Cookies policy Accessibility Statement Advertise with us Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Please login or signup to comment Please wait...