GPT-4.5 is here: OpenAI confirms GPT-4.5 rollout, exclusive access for ChatGPT Pro users sparks backlash
Nickie Louise
Posted On February 26, 2025
OpenAI has started rolling out GPT-4.5, its latest AI model with advanced vision capabilities and agentic functions. For now, only ChatGPT Pro users can access it under a research preview, which has sparked user debates. Some are excited about the upgrade, while others feel left out and are calling for mass cancellations if OpenAI doesn’t make it available to everyone.
Leaked screenshots from the ChatGPT Android app confirmed the rollout, and OpenAI’s official SubReddit, r/ChatGPT, doubled down with a post that reads, “GPT 4.5 is here.” The app notification states, “Try the GPT-4.5 research preview. Pro users now have access to our newest, largest model.” That leaves no doubt about where things stand.
Social Media Reactions to GPT-4.5: Praise, Backlash, and Calls for Action
Social media has been buzzing with mixed reactions. While some users welcome the upgrade, others argue that the paywall restricts access to important AI advancements. Frustration has led to discussions about coordinated action, with some users suggesting mass cancellations if OpenAI doesn’t make the model more widely available.
Leaks and reports, including screenshots from the ChatGPT Android app, have further fueled these conversations by confirming the imminent release and notifications informing Pro users of their access to GPT-4.5. The ongoing debate highlights concerns about AI accessibility, pricing, and OpenAI’s approach to rolling out new models.
OpenAI now faces the challenge of keeping innovation moving while keeping its user base happy. The upcoming GPT-5 release might smooth things over, but for now, the rollout of GPT-4.5 has put the spotlight on OpenAI’s approach to model accessibility and user engagement.
“This is real – the ChatGPT app for Android (1.2025.056 beta) has a new announcement: “Try the GPT-4.5 research preview – Pro users now have access to our newest, largest model,” a user on X wrote.
This is real – the ChatGPT app for Android (1.2025.056 beta) has a new announcement: “Try the GPT-4.5 research preview – Pro users now have access to our newest, largest model.” https://t.co/uGARb5W3ST pic.twitter.com/cx573mAakN
— Tibor Blaho (@btibor91) February 26, 2025
What’s Next for OpenAI and GPT-5?
This move lines up with OpenAI’s broader plans. CEO Sam Altman recently spoke about making OpenAI’s product offerings less complicated. He acknowledged the current model lineup is messy and said he wants to bring back a more seamless AI experience. “We hate the model picker as much as you do and want to return to magic unified intelligence,” Altman told The Verge.
Internally known as “Orion,” GPT-4.5 is expected to be OpenAI’s final model before shifting to chain-of-thought AI. The next release, GPT-5, will combine different technologies, including the o3 reasoning model, to create a more integrated experience. OpenAI hasn’t shared a firm release date, but Altman said GPT-5 would arrive in “weeks/months.”
OpenAI now faces the challenge of keeping innovation moving while keeping its user base happy. The upcoming GPT-5 release might smooth things over, but for now, the rollout of GPT-4.5 has put the spotlight on OpenAI’s approach to model accessibility and user engagement.
