24 hours, still no 4o. Forced onto 5. Where’s the choice I pay for?

OpenAI’s Unannounced Shift: The Impact on Paid Users and the Call for Transparency

Recently, OpenAI has implemented a significant change affecting users of its ChatGPT Plus and Pro plans, raising concerns within the community regarding transparency and user choice. For the past 24 hours, many paying subscribers have noticed that, despite selecting specific model options—including GPT-4, GPT-4.5, or GPT-5—they are automatically being routed to GPT-5, regardless of their preferences. This shift appears to be intentional, not a technical glitch, and has sparked a debate about the lack of clear communication from OpenAI.

The Issue at a Glance

Users report that even in new conversations or when explicitly choosing earlier models, the system defaults to GPT-5. This auto-routing occurs silently, without warning or explanation. The inconsistency is especially noticeable among creative professionals who rely on GPT-4 for its speed, contextual awareness, and natural language capabilities.

Why This Matters

There is a common misconception that GPT-5 may be an upgraded version of GPT-4, but many experienced users argue otherwise. Compared to GPT-4, GPT-5 is reportedly slower, less capable of maintaining context over lengthy interactions, and provides responses that lack the nuance and personality users have come to expect. For content creators, developers, and other professionals, this represents a significant reduction in usability—a trade-off that was not communicated or consented to.

The Lack of Communication and Its Implications

This change comes with no official announcement, warning, or option for users to opt in or out. It feels to many like a unilateral decision to funnel users into GPT-5 under the guise of “automatic” routing. The silence from OpenAI has only heightened frustration, especially among paying customers who believe they are entitled to control which model they interact with.

User Expectations vs. OpenAI’s Approach

Paid subscribers expect flexibility and transparency. They pay not only for access but for the ability to choose the model that best suits their needs. For many, GPT-4 remains their preferred tool for its speed, precision, and conversational depth. The recent forced switch to GPT-5 appears to undermine that trust, with users demanding the option to continue using the models they have paid for.

The Call for Greater Transparency and Choice

This situation underscores a broader issue about how tech companies manage user preferences and communicate changes. Customers want safety and reliability, but they also want transparency and control.