The recent introduction of GPT-5 by OpenAI has sparked a fascinating debate among ChatGPT users, including those who use the application on Mac or Windows systems. Despite the new artificial intelligence model promising improvements in areas such as reasoning, speed, and accuracy, many Plus plan subscribers have expressed their preference for the warmer and more collaborative approach of GPT-4o.
If you find yourself among them and wish to revert to the previous model in your desktop application, below we provide a detailed guide on how to achieve this on Apple devices.
Why do so many users prefer GPT-4o?
GPT-4o, also known as “Omni,” was released as a model that can handle text, images, and audio simultaneously. What makes it interesting is its technical capability, as well as its more human-like conversational style, which is ideal for creative activities, emotionally charged writing, and more informal collaboration. Many users consider it a more friendly “digital companion,” compared to the more formal and structured style of GPT-5.
On the other hand, GPT-5 has been created for more complex tasks, such as programming, legal analysis, or critical functions in health and education. Although it has a greater capacity to understand context (up to 400,000 tokens) and a system that adapts the model according to what is needed, its more impartial tone has caused a certain lack of emotional connection with regular users.
Is GPT-4o still available in ChatGPT for Mac?
Yes, but with conditions. OpenAI has listened to the requests and has decided to allow paying users to continue using GPT-4o as an alternative model. This option is available exclusively to those with an active subscription to ChatGPT Plus or higher.
Steps to reactivate GPT-4o in ChatGPT for Mac
Although the option is not enabled by default, you can easily recover it by following these steps from the web version of ChatGPT:
- Access this address from your browser.
- Click on your profile picture (bottom left corner) and select Settings.
- In the side menu, go to the General section.
- Activate the Show legacy models option.
After completing this process, the GPT-4o model will be available in the model selection menu within the Legacy Models section. This option updates automatically with the desktop application intended for macOS, although it may take a few minutes for the changes to become visible. If it doesn’t appear immediately, close the application and reopen it.
What happens if GPT-4o doesn’t show up?
If after following the previous steps GPT-4o does not appear in the model selection menu, it may be due to various causes. The most common ones are listed below:
Until when will GPT-4o be available?
- Gradual rollout: OpenAI is rolling out this option in phases. It may not be available on your account yet.
- Outdated version of the app: make sure you have the latest version of ChatGPT for Mac installed.
- Pending synchronization: log out and log back in to force the update.
- Usage limit: if you are on the free plan or have exceeded the limits of your subscription, GPT-4o may not be available.
OpenAI has not yet provided a specific date for the final retirement of GPT-4o. According to their announcements, they will continue “monitoring usage while determining how long they will maintain the old models.” This implies that, although you can currently reactivate it, its access could vary at any time.
Is it worth going back to GPT-4o?
It depends on your requirements. If you appreciate a smoother interaction, originality in responses, and a more intimate communicative approach, GPT-4o remains a standout option. On the other hand, if you are facing complex activities that require technical accuracy, GPT-5 might be more convenient.