OpenAI announces major app update

OpenAI has informed users via email about a major change to its ChatGPT and Codex applications. The company plans to unify the two in the computer version of the app, with a test for a small group of users starting soon.

Test for a small user group

The first test of the unified system will begin in the coming weeks, with all users eventually transitioning to the new setup. This follows a similar integration last summer when ChatGPT was merged into the Codex app.

Codex to replace ChatGPT

Codex will replace ChatGPT as the main application, while GPT-5.6 is expected to compete with Fable, another major product from OpenAI. However, the transition remains in an awkward middle ground, with some features still separated.

Current system is confusing

The Codex app has been renamed ChatGPT, and many features have been combined, but two distinct modes still exist in theory. Interactions with ChatGPT can occur on the Codex side and vice versa, though the differences between the two are minimal.

OpenAI aims to simplify the experience

OpenAI has a strong interest in fully merging the two systems, as the current setup is unnecessarily complicated. The company is testing a new "unified experience" for a small group of users, using their feedback to improve the system before a wider rollout.

Avoiding past mistakes

The company is trying to avoid repeating the rushed launch from last July, which merged two apps with different uses and audiences without user input. OpenAI had to backtrack on some points after criticism from users.

Benefits of the unified system

OpenAI highlights the advantages of the unified approach, allowing users to explore an idea and then hand over its implementation to ChatGPT in the same place. Users can add files, use plugins, and ask ChatGPT to develop websites or perform web tasks.

Codex will remain distinct

Despite the unification, the email notes that Codex will remain a distinct experience within the ChatGPT app for computers, which is the current situation. Concrete changes to the interface will only be known after the update is deployed.

Unified quotas may affect users

A key change involves merging the two separate quotas for ChatGPT and Codex. This may affect some users, as their usage of both apps will now be counted against a single quota. OpenAI claims this should not negatively impact most users.

Subscription changes ahead

The ChatGPT Plus subscription at 23 euros per month will still allow unlimited use of the "Instant" mode. However, general questions asked to ChatGPT with active thinking will now be counted against the Codex and ChatGPT Work quota.

Old app will be retired

The historical ChatGPT app, still accessible today, will be retired by January 30, 2027. Users will need to transition to the new app with its unified interface and quotas, as OpenAI will discontinue support for the old version on Mac computers on that date.