OpenAI’s GPT-5 Debut Stumbles | Users Demand 4o Return Amid ‘Bumpy’ Rollout & Math Fails
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI’s highly anticipated GPT-5 model has faced a “bumpy” rollout, leading to significant user dissatisfaction.
- Users reported GPT-5 underperforming its predecessor, GPT-4o, with some even citing failures on simple arithmetic problems.
- In response to widespread user complaints, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that the company will allow paid ChatGPT Plus users to switch back to GPT-4o.
- Apple Intelligence’s integration with ChatGPT will leverage GPT-5, but its rollout is deferred until iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26.
Main Developments
The much-anticipated launch of OpenAI’s GPT-5, touted as the next leap in artificial intelligence, has instead been met with a chorus of user disappointment and a swift retraction from the company. Just one day after its grand unveiling, OpenAI found itself in the unusual position of bringing back its predecessor, GPT-4o, as an option for users who overwhelmingly preferred its performance.
The rollout of GPT-5, intended to be a significant step forward, proved to be anything but smooth. Users quickly voiced their frustration across social media and forums, reporting that the new model not only failed to impress but, in many instances, performed worse than GPT-4o. Skepticism mounted as specific examples of GPT-5’s shortcomings circulated, including a puzzling failure to solve a simple algebra problem, 5.9 = x + 5.11, a task that even elementary schoolers could typically nail. The public outcry created immediate pressure on OpenAI to justify the update, raising questions about whether GPT-5 truly represents a substantive improvement or merely an incremental one.
The backlash was swift and undeniable. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the public sentiment, confirming the decision to reintroduce GPT-4o as a selectable option for ChatGPT Plus subscribers. “We will let Plus users choose to continue to use 4o,” Altman stated, acknowledging the “bumpy” rollout and the strong user preference for the previous model. The controversy spilled over into a Reddit AMA, where users peppered OpenAI with questions, further highlighting the widespread demand for the return of GPT-4o and other concerns, including a cryptic reference to a “chart crime.” This immediate pivot underscores the immense pressure on OpenAI to meet the high expectations it sets for its foundational models, especially in the competitive and rapidly evolving AI landscape.
The unexpected stumble of GPT-5’s debut also casts an interesting light on its announced integration with Apple Intelligence. Despite the current turbulence, Apple confirmed that its forthcoming AI features, set to debut with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26, will indeed leverage GPT-5 for tasks ranging from Siri queries to advanced visual analysis. This delayed integration could be a strategic move, allowing OpenAI time to stabilize and refine GPT-5 before it becomes a core component of Apple’s ecosystem, or it may simply reflect Apple’s development cycle. Regardless, the current hiccup places an even greater onus on OpenAI to prove that GPT-5 is not just a marginal upgrade but a truly transformative leap forward capable of delivering on its initial promises.
Analyst’s View
OpenAI’s rapid reversal on GPT-5 highlights a critical lesson in AI product development: user experience and perceived performance are paramount, even over raw benchmark improvements. It appears OpenAI may have rushed GPT-5 to market, perhaps under pressure to deliver another “wow” moment, without sufficient real-world testing or understanding of how changes might impact everyday user interaction. The immediate demand for GPT-4o indicates that users prioritize reliability and consistent performance over incremental advancements they can’t readily discern. Moving forward, the industry will be watching how quickly OpenAI can stabilize GPT-5 and demonstrate its superior capabilities to regain user trust. This incident also serves as a cautionary tale for other AI developers: in the race for innovation, neglecting user sentiment can lead to significant reputational setbacks.
Source Material
- ChatGPT is bringing back 4o as an option because people missed it (The Verge AI)
- OpenAI returns old models to ChatGPT as Sam Altman admits ‘bumpy’ GPT-5 rollout (VentureBeat AI)
- Sam Altman addresses ‘bumpy’ GPT-5 rollout, bringing 4o back, and the ‘chart crime’ (TechCrunch AI)
- OpenAI’s GPT-5 rollout is not going smoothly (VentureBeat AI)
- Apple Intelligence’s ChatGPT integration will use GPT-5 starting with iOS 26 (The Verge AI)