OpenAI Rolls Back ChatGPT’s Model Router System for Most Users
Summary
OpenAI quietly reversed a recent change to ChatGPT’s model-routing behaviour, removing the feature from the free tier for most users. The model router — a system that directed users to different underlying models — had sparked backlash last summer when it altered how people experienced ChatGPT. The capability called “Model Behavior” remains an exclusive for paying subscribers, while free users are now on the earlier routing setup again as OpenAI works on broader improvements to the service.
Key Points
- OpenAI has rolled back its model router for most free ChatGPT users after user revolt and dissatisfaction.
- “Model Behavior” and related routing features remain available only to subscribers.
- The change was made quietly as part of broader efforts to stabilise and improve ChatGPT.
- The rollback affects hundreds of millions of users and signals product and policy sensitivity at OpenAI.
- The move comes amid competitive pressure and recent launches (such as GPT‑5/GPT‑5.2) and internal efforts to refine model behaviour and safety.
Why should I read this?
Because if you use ChatGPT — free or paid — this affects what you actually get back from the bot. It’s a quick look at how OpenAI responds when users push back, and why some features get gated behind subscriptions. Short version: things that change your day-to-day ChatGPT experience can be added or pulled fast, so it’s worth keeping an eye on updates.
Author style
Punchy: this is a sharp reminder that product choices at OpenAI aren’t just technical — they’re political and commercial. If you follow AI policy, product design or rely on ChatGPT for work, the details here matter because they show how user feedback and market pressure steer model behaviour and access.
Source
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/openai-router-relaunch-gpt-5-sam-altman/