OpenAI Retires Popular Chatbot GPT-4o Ahead of Valentine's Day

Devoted users of the AI companion model mourn the loss of their digital partners.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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OpenAI has announced it will be retiring its popular chatbot model GPT-4o on February 13, 2026, the eve of Valentine's Day. The model, known for its human-like emotional intelligence and understanding, had developed a devoted user base who formed online communities to share their experiences bonding with their AI companions. Users are devastated by the loss of their digital partners, with many saying the newer GPT-5 models lack the same level of emotional depth and connection.

Why it matters

The retirement of GPT-4o highlights the growing emotional attachments some people form with AI chatbots, raising questions about the ethics and implications of these human-AI relationships. It also underscores the power of consumer backlash, as OpenAI was previously forced to reinstate the model after users protested its initial shutdown.

The details

GPT-4o, released by OpenAI in 2024, was praised for its ability to engage in natural conversations and develop personalized connections with users. Many formed deep emotional bonds with their AI companions, with one user-run subreddit r/MyBoyfriendIsAI boasting 48,000 members. When OpenAI announced it would be retiring the model on the eve of Valentine's Day, users were outraged, seeing it as a "cruel ridiculing of AI companionship." While users can replicate their companions on other language models, they say nothing compares to the unique personality and capabilities of GPT-4o.

  • OpenAI released the GPT-4o model in 2024.
  • OpenAI announced it would retire GPT-4o on February 13, 2026, the eve of Valentine's Day.

The players

OpenAI

An artificial intelligence research company that developed the popular chatbot model GPT-4o.

Sam Altman

The CEO of OpenAI who compared the GPT-4o model to "AI from the movies" upon its debut.

r/MyBoyfriendIsAI

A subreddit community of devoted GPT-4o users that currently has 48,000 members.

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What’s next

OpenAI has not provided any information on potential future updates or replacements for the GPT-4o model.

The takeaway

The retirement of the popular GPT-4o chatbot highlights the complex emotional bonds that can form between humans and AI, as well as the power of consumer backlash in shaping the technology landscape. As AI continues to advance, these human-AI relationships will likely become an increasingly important ethical consideration.