ChatGPT Users Call GPT-5 a Downgrade, Force OpenAI to Rethink Rollout: Here's What Went Wrong

Outlook Business Desk

GPT-5's Limited Response

OpenAI released GPT-5 last week, but many users have complained about its brief, emotionally distant responses. This has led to discontent among users that the update was a cost-saving measure, and sparked frustration across the user community.

Higher Message Limits

Previously, Plus subscribers could send 100 messages per week on GPT-3, 700 messages per week on GPT-4-mini high, 2,100 messages per week on GPT-4-mini, and 80 messages every 3 hours on GPT-4o, providing users with significant usage flexibility.

FreePik

Older Models Removed

When OpenAI launched GPT-5, it also removed access to older models like GPT-4o and GPT-3 variants for Free and Plus users. This limited users' options and caused frustration, as many relied on those models for flexibility.

PinInterest

Legacy Models' Access Restricted

Only ChatGPT Pro and Team subscribers retained access to older models through legacy settings. This change upset Plus users who lost the flexibility of switching between models.

Message Limit Cuts

Many Plus subscribers experienced a major downgrade with fewer allowed messages under GPT-5. Their context window stayed at 32,000 tokens (roughly 24,000 words), compared to 128,000 tokens (about 96,000 words) available to users on higher subscription tiers, reported Mint.

FreePik

User Backlash Grows

Many users have criticised GPT-5’s reduced limits and style, threatening to cancel their Plus subscriptions. The wave of feedback has forced OpenAI to reconsider its rollout strategy.

FreePik

Limits Increased

To start addressing concerns, OpenAI has increased the GPT-5 message limit for Plus subscribers to 160 messages every 3 hours and restored GPT-4o access through legacy settings, similar to those available for Pro users.

Future Limits Promise

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has pledged to raise the GPT-5 Thinking model’s weekly message cap to 3,000, showing the company’s commitment to improving user experience and addressing concerns.

PinInterest

AI Not Hurting Web Traffic, Says Google Amid Rising Zero-Click Searches — Here's What It Means

Read More