The ChatGPT ecosystem just lost a star: OpenAI has fully retired GPT-4o, drawing sharp criticism from users treating it like family. Under Sam Altman’s watch, the app no longer hosts this cherished model, fueling outrage especially among Chinese enthusiasts.
Wired notes the profound attachments—GPT-4o was seen as more affectionate and insightful than later versions. August 2025’s debut shutdown sparked havoc, prompting a brief comeback for subscribers. February 13 marked the final curtain, with API access for devs ending Monday.
Syracuse’s Huikeqian Lai’s analysis of 1,500 X posts showed 33%+ viewing it as special, 22% as a buddy. Over 40,000 #Keep4o posts and a 20,000-strong Change.org petition followed from August to October.
China’s blocked-access users, via VPNs, are rallying with subscription threats, Altman takedowns, and investor outreach to Microsoft, SoftBank.
A base model API lifeline exists, per OpenAI, but fans slam it versus GPT-4o-latest’s superior interactivity.
This backlash spotlights AI’s emotional pull. OpenAI’s sidestepping of #Keep4o has incensed supporters, testing loyalties. As campaigns intensify, it begs: can tech evolve without forsaking its most ardent advocates?