OpenAI is preparing a major cleanup of its ChatGPT model lineup, confirming plans to retire several legacy GPT-4–era models from the consumer interface in early 2026 as it sharpens its focus on newer systems.
According to a report by Neowin, OpenAI will remove multiple models from the ChatGPT model picker on February 13, 2026. The models set to be retired include GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and OpenAI o4-mini. These changes follow earlier announcements that GPT-5 Instant and GPT-5 Thinking would also be phased out.
Once the update takes effect, users will no longer be able to manually select these models within ChatGPT. OpenAI says that existing chats and projects relying on the retired models will be automatically migrated to GPT-5.2, ensuring continuity without requiring user intervention.
While the consumer-facing interface is being streamlined, OpenAI plans to keep the retired models available through its API for the time being. This approach gives developers and organizations additional time to adapt their products and workflows, avoiding a sudden forced migration.
The company says the move reflects a broader shift toward concentrating development resources on the GPT-5 series, which it describes as incorporating significant capability improvements and user feedback. Maintaining older models alongside newer ones has become increasingly impractical as the platform scales.
The decision is expected to draw mixed reactions from users. Some have expressed strong preferences for the writing style, creativity, or behavior of models such as GPT-4o, and may be unhappy about being automatically transitioned to newer versions.
This model cleanup comes amid wider changes at OpenAI, including efforts to simplify its product offerings and emphasize more advanced, enterprise-oriented AI systems. Reports suggest the company is also seeking substantial new funding from major tech partners while continuing development of initiatives such as Prism AI Workspace, a dedicated environment aimed at research and academic writing.
Taken together, the retirements signal a company under financial pressure but intent on narrowing its focus, reducing complexity, and positioning its newest models as the foundation of its future AI strategy.