Understanding the ChatGPT 3.5 Model: A Comprehensive Overview
GPT-3.5 was the model that powered the original ChatGPT at its November 30, 2022 launch, and it is no longer selectable in ChatGPT today. OpenAI replaced GPT-3.5 Turbo in the ChatGPT interface with GPT-4o mini on July 18, 2024, and as of June 2026 the free default is GPT-5.3 Instant, with GPT-5.4 Thinking, GPT-5.4 Pro, GPT-5.5, and the GPT-5.6 Sol flagship available on paid tiers. This guide explains what GPT-3.5 was, what it could do, and what replaced it. AI Toolbox (formerly ChatGPT Toolbox), a Chrome extension with 35,000+ users, works with every current ChatGPT model and adds folders, advanced search, bulk exportPremium, prompt library, and prompt chaining.
The ChatGPT 3.5 model has played a crucial role in the evolution of conversational AI. This post provides an in-depth look at the capabilities, applications, and comparisons of the ChatGPT 3.5 model, examining its significance within the broader context of ChatGPT development.
Figure 1: A server room with multiple racks of servers
Can you still use ChatGPT 3.5 on chatgpt.com?
No. You cannot select GPT-3.5 on chatgpt.com anymore. GPT-3.5 Turbo was removed from the ChatGPT model picker on July 18, 2024, when GPT-4o mini took its place as the free default. As of June 2026, the free default model is GPT-5.3 Instant. There is no setting, toggle, or legacy menu that brings GPT-3.5 back inside ChatGPT, and OpenAI has also retired GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, o4-mini, and the original GPT-5 from the app. If you are searching for "chatgpt 3.5" expecting the classic 2022 experience, the closest current free option is GPT-5.3 Instant, which is faster, more capable, and available to every tier.
Key Features of the ChatGPT 3.5 Model
ChatGPT 3.5's key features include improved natural language understanding and enhanced response coherence.
The ChatGPT 3.5 model is recognized for its ability to generate coherent and contextually relevant responses. Some of its key features include:
Improved natural language understanding.
Enhanced ability to maintain context in conversations.
Greater accuracy in generating human-like text.
Versatility in handling a wide range of tasks.
Applications of ChatGPT 3.5
ChatGPT 3.5 applications include customer service chatbots, content creation, language translation, and educational assistance.
The ChatGPT 3.5 model has found applications in various domains, including:
Customer service chatbots.
Content creation and summarization.
Language translation.
Educational assistance.
Code generation and debugging.
Figure 2: AI robot with a humanoid form
ChatGPT 3.5 vs. ChatGPT 4
ChatGPT 4 offers enhanced capabilities over ChatGPT 3.5, building upon its predecessor's advancements.
While ChatGPT 3.5 demonstrated significant advancements, ChatGPT 4 introduced further enhancements. Here's a comparison:
Feature
ChatGPT 3.5
ChatGPT 4
Reasoning
Good contextual understanding
Advanced reasoning and problem-solving
Multimodality
Text-based
Text and image input capabilities
Accuracy
High accuracy in text generation
Improved factual accuracy and coherence
Code Generation
Capable, with some limitations
More robust and accurate code generation
ChatGPT 3.5 vs. ChatGPT o1
ChatGPT 3.5 and the o1 reasoning model served distinct purposes, with ChatGPT 3.5 offering broader conversational capabilities.
The ChatGPT 3.5 and o1 models served different purposes. Both have since been retired from ChatGPT, where reasoning is now handled by GPT-5.4 Thinking. Here is a brief historical comparison:
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Feature
ChatGPT 3.5
ChatGPT o1
Focus
General-purpose conversational AI
Advanced reasoning and problem-solving
Reasoning Method
Contextual understanding
Chain of thought
Ideal Tasks
General conversations, content creation
Complex tasks, technical domains
The Significance of the ChatGPT 3.5 Model
ChatGPT 3.5's significance lies in its role as a foundational conversational AI model, demonstrating the potential of large language models.
The ChatGPT 3.5 model represents a significant milestone in the development of conversational AI. It laid the groundwork for subsequent models by demonstrating the potential of large language models in generating human-like text and engaging in meaningful conversations.
Its impact is evident in the widespread adoption of chatbots and AI-powered tools across various industries.
Figure 3: AI robot with a round head and a large eye
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaced ChatGPT 3.5?
GPT-4o mini replaced GPT-3.5 Turbo in the ChatGPT interface on July 18, 2024. That lineup has since moved on too: as of June 2026 the free default in ChatGPT is GPT-5.3 Instant, with GPT-5.4 Thinking, GPT-5.4 Pro, GPT-5.5, and the GPT-5.6 Sol flagship available on paid plans.
Is ChatGPT 3.5 free?
When it was available, GPT-3.5 powered the free tier of ChatGPT. It is no longer offered, so the question is moot today. The current free tier runs GPT-5.3 Instant at no cost, and AI Toolbox adds folders, search, and prompt tools on top of whichever model you use.
Last updated: June 8, 2026
Key Terms
AI Toolbox
Chrome extension with 35,000+ users that adds folders, search, export, and prompt management to ChatGPT. Available on all Chromium browsers.
Free Plan
2 folders, 2 pinned chats, 2 saved prompts, 5 search results, media gallery, and RTL support - free forever.
Premium
$9.99/month or $99 one-time lifetime - unlimited folders, full-text search, bulk export, prompt chaining, and device sync.
Bottom Line
GPT-3.5 was the model behind the original ChatGPT in 2022, but it is no longer selectable. GPT-4o mini replaced it in July 2024, and as of June 2026 the free default is GPT-5.3 Instant, with GPT-5.4 Thinking, GPT-5.4 Pro, GPT-5.5, and the GPT-5.6 Sol flagship on paid tiers. AI Toolbox works across every current model.
References
Sources, tool names, and authoritative documentation referenced in this article:
A Full Stack Developer with 7+ years of experience building AI productivity tools. Leads product development and frontend architecture for AI Toolbox, the Chrome extension suite (ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude modules) that helps users search, organize, and export their AI conversations.
Adi Leviim