Key takeaways of zdnet
- Openai’s new GPT-5 model initially replaced the former model in launch last week.
- Due to the popular demand, Openai is providing users access to heritage models.
- GPT-4o is available for Chatgpt Plus and Pro users (with more models for later).
Appeal of the much awaited GPT-5 model of Openai lies in a combination of a smart model for most questions and a deep argument model for difficult problems, and that it automatically chooses on the basis of the user’s sign. Since it technically combines the best model of Openai, the company converted all its heritage models into Chatgpt – and the users were not happy.
(Disclosure: ZDNET’s original company Ziff Davis filed a case of April 2025 against Openai, alleging that it violates Ziff Davis copyright training and operating its AI system.)
Also: I tested the coding skills of GPT-5, and it was so bad that I am sticking with GPT-4O (for now)
Customers including Chatgpt Plus and Pro users were first involved in many arguments models including GPT-4o, O3, O4-Mini, and O4-Mini-High, and research preview of GPT-4.5 and GPT-4.1. The Chatgpt Pro users had a pair of additional allowances, such as the O3 Pro mode. As a result, when Openai removed access to these models as it rolled GPT-5, many customers’ workflows were disturbed; Some people too Their membership canceled,
Openai noted the reaction and immediately applied changes. Openi Sam Altman said X“We will allow plus users to choose to continue using 4Os. We will see the use because we think how long to offer heritage models.” In a separate post, he said, “We certainly underestimate how many things people like in GPT -4O, even if GPT -5 performs better in most ways.”
Users can now see heritage models, but some additional steps are required to activate the option. Here’s how to start.
How to use the legacy model of chat
What would you do Need: To reach the heritage model, you have to subscribe to one of the premium tier of the chatgpt. The cost of the Chatgpt Plus costs $ 20 per month and includes other allowances such as high use limitations for many latest features of Openai. Chatgpt Pro is for super users and retails at $ 200 per month.
When you log in to your Chatgpt account, you will see your membership/account level in the corner of the left hand bottom, where your name is displayed. If it says “free”, you want to click on it and hit the “upgrade plan option”.
Also: Is the chatup plus really worth $ 20 when the free version provides so many premium features?
Once you do this, you can choose to subscribe to one of the high membership levels: either Chatgpt Plus $ 20 per month or $ 200 per month Chatgpt Pro. Then you will see a chart compared to plans and their allowances, depicted above.
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Once you have a plus or Pro account, by default, you will have the option to togue between GPT-5, GPT-5 thinking, and, if you are a Pro user, then GPT-5 Pro. However, you have the option to reach the heritage model as long as you tug the settings.
You just have to click on the left corner below with your name and click on the settings. Under “General”, which is the first page that comes up, togle to “Show the Lives model”. Then, the model picker togle will also show the “Legacy Model” option.
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When the “show Legacy Model” option is togarted, to actually use the model, you just have to click on the model picker togle, which appears when you click on the model name in the corner of the upper left hand.
Also: GPT-5 bombed my coding tests, but redeemed themselves with code analysis
If you are a Chatgpt Plus user, you can reach GPT-4o in addition to GPT-5. If you are a pro-user, you can use the entire suit of heritage models including GPT-4O, GPT-4.5 (Research Preview), O3, O4-Min, GPT-4.1, and GPT-4.1-Mini. Whatever you choose will be output to your response.
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