OpenAI Sparks Outrage by Removing Model Picker in ChatGPT Update
The AI community is in an uproar after OpenAI temporarily removed the ability to choose between different language models in ChatGPT. The change, tied to the launch of the highly anticipated GPT-5, forced users onto the latest model, stripping away the option to switch back to older versions like GPT-4o or 4.5.
For many AI enthusiasts, the different models are more than just tools—they have distinct personalities and quirks that users grow attached to. Some prefer the speed of GPT-4o, while others rely on the nuanced responses of GPT-4.5. Taking away the choice felt like a betrayal to loyal users who had grown accustomed to their preferred model.
The backlash was swift. Social media lit up with complaints, and forums buzzed with frustration. Critics argued that forcing everyone onto GPT-5 without the option to revert was a heavy-handed move, especially since new models don’t always perform better for every use case. Some users reported that GPT-5, while advanced in some areas, lacked the familiarity and consistency of older versions.
OpenAI quickly backtracked, reinstating the model picker after the outcry. The incident highlights a growing tension in AI development—balancing innovation with user autonomy. As companies push forward with upgrades, they risk alienating users who rely on specific behaviors from older models.
The lesson here is clear: AI isn’t just about raw capability. User preference matters, and taking away choice can backfire. For now, OpenAI has listened, but the debate over forced updates in AI tools is far from over.
