OpenAI has released a major update to its Codex coding and development system, introducing capabilities for desktop application control, web browsing, image generation, and memory features. The update is rolling out to desktop users with a ChatGPT account, initially for macOS.
Desktop Application Control
Codex agents can now interact with other applications on a user’s computer, a feature the company refers to as "computer use." Users can specify a program or allow the agent to determine the appropriate application. OpenAI stated that its implementation includes technology to run an application without significantly slowing down the user’s system. Multiple agents can operate in parallel, and the system can work in the background without interfering with other applications.
OpenAI stated this functionality is intended for tasks such as testing and iterating on frontend changes, testing apps, or working in applications that do not expose an API.
The computer use feature will initially be available to Codex desktop app users on macOS. OpenAI did not provide a timeline for expansion to other operating systems. The company stated that users in the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) will receive the update "soon."
Browser and Image Generation
The update includes a built-in browser with a commenting system, allowing users to prompt Codex to make specific adjustments to webpages or web applications.
Codex now includes built-in image generation using a model called gpt-image-1.5. OpenAI stated this can be used to create product concepts, mockups, frontend designs, and game assets. The system can also use screenshots to verify it is following a user’s request.
Memory Features
OpenAI is previewing two memory features. The first allows Codex to recall context from previous tasks to inform its approach to future prompts. The second allows Codex to use gathered context to suggest proactive actions to the user. OpenAI stated the memory features are intended to help complete future tasks faster and to a higher standard over time.
The memory features will be released as a preview and will be opt-in. OpenAI stated they will be available to users in the EU and UK at a later date.
Plugin Expansion
OpenAI released 111 new plugins for Codex. These plugins combine skills, app integrations, and model context protocol server connections. The company stated the plugins provide Codex with more ways to gather context and use developer tools.
Platform Expansion and Mobile Integration
OpenAI has released a dedicated Codex application for Microsoft Windows, following a previous launch for macOS. The application allows users to coordinate multiple AI coding agents on single tasks and supports automations to streamline processes such as bug testing. A "Skills" section provides bundles of instructions, resources, and scripts for connecting agents with specific tools and workflows. The Windows app includes native sandboxing.
OpenAI has integrated Codex into the ChatGPT mobile app for iOS and Android. This integration allows users to view live Codex environments, work across threads, review outputs, approve commands, change models, or start new tasks from a smartphone or tablet. The mobile feature requires the latest version of Codex for Mac and ChatGPT for mobile devices.
OpenAI also released a Chrome extension for Codex, enabling testing of web apps, gathering context from open tabs, and using Chrome DevTools in parallel. The extension is available for Windows and Mac systems.
Availability and Pricing
The updated Codex desktop app is available to users logged in with their ChatGPT accounts across Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans. A new pay-as-you-go pricing option has been announced for ChatGPT enterprise and business customers. User session history is saved to OpenAI accounts, allowing continuity across different operating systems.
Background
Last month, following reporting by The Wall Street Journal, OpenAI confirmed it was working on a desktop application that would combine ChatGPT, Codex, and a web browser called Atlas. OpenAI stated that this combined application is not being released at this time.
"We're building the super app out in the open. This release is about developers. In the future, we will broaden it up to a wider audience." — Thibault Sottiaux, head of Codex
The company stated that some features added to Codex resemble capabilities previously released by Anthropic for its Claude Code tool. Computer use is a feature available in competing applications, including Claude Cowork.