Unraveling the Chaos: GPT-5’s Rocky Debut

Less than a week has passed since OpenAI unveiled its latest AI innovation, GPT-5, but the rollout has been far from smooth. The release sparked one of the most heated user protests in the history of ChatGPT, prompting CEO Sam Altman to issue an unexpected public apology and to reverse several significant decisions.

Controversy Over Removing Older Models Without Warning

The core of the controversy lies in OpenAI’s decision to automatically disable access to all previous AI models—approximately nine different versions—when GPT-5 was introduced to user accounts. Unlike API developers, who typically receive advance notice before models are deprecated, regular ChatGPT consumers were left in the dark about the sudden disappearance of their familiar models, according to independent AI researcher Simon Willison in a detailed blog post.

Immediate User Backlash and Growing Discontent

The issues became apparent immediately after GPT-5’s launch on August 7. A Reddit thread titled “GPT-5 is horrible” quickly gathered over 4,000 comments, with users voicing their frustrations about the new model’s performance, changes in personality, and the abrupt removal of older, trusted versions. Within a day, social media channels were flooded with complaints, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with the update.

The Impact and OpenAI’s Response

As negative feedback mounted, it became clear that the rollout had caused significant inconvenience and disappointment among users. Facing mounting pressure, OpenAI’s leadership, including CEO Sam Altman, had to step forward with apologies and announcements of plans to address the issues, including reconsidering the decision to remove older models without prior notice.

Ethan Cole

I'm Ethan Cole, a tech journalist with a passion for uncovering the stories behind innovation. I write about emerging technologies, startups, and the digital trends shaping our future. Read me on x.com