Meet ChatGPT Work, OpenAI's Answer to Claude Cowork

OpenAI launched ChatGPT Work today, an AI agent that runs on its new GPT-5.6 Sol model, also released today. The agent folds Codex capabilities into ChatGPT for task automation across web, mobile and desktop. The agent connects to workplace tools via plugins for Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, SharePoint, email, calendars, CRMs and project trackers. 

The desktop app gives users the ability to use local files and apps to accomplish work and includes a new built-in web browser. The Codex app is merging with the desktop app as part of the release.

If the story sounds familiar, it's because it is following the playbook created by Anthropic with Claude Cowork, which provides the same capabilities, plugins and also combines Chat, Cowork and Code capabilities in a single desktop interface. The big difference between the two? OpenAI is giving Work and Codex in the desktop app to every user, including unpaid. Cowork is only available on paid Claude plans.

Buried in the announcement was mention that the company will be sunsetting its Atlas web browser, introduced in October 2025, with assurances that it applied any learnings from the tool's 9-month-run to the new built-in web browser in the desktop app.

What's Inside ChatGPT Work 

The company's instructions for getting started with Work are to "give it a task you already know well." Work defines the steps, connects tools through a new dedicated plug-in directory and checks in for approval on sensitive actions like sending an email. The agent can run for hours on a project, which can add up fast depending on the task. Work follows the same token usage plan as Codex, but Enterprise and Edu admins can set spending caps.

The company did supply some tips on how to best assign Work tasks:

• State the outcome
• Provide context
• Specify the format
• Share a reference for the result to follow
• Set boundaries

Scheduled Tasks and Sites

Scheduled Tasks let users run a job on a recurring basis, trigger one when an event happens or set the agent to monitor something over time. The launch includes the public beta of Sites, first launched as Codex Sites in June for Business and Enterprise, now opened up with public URLs. With Sites, users can build an interactive site, dashboard, project tracker, internal portal or web app that updates as the underlying information changes.

Governance and Admin Controls

Two admin pieces come with Work. The Compliance API lets IT see what agents are doing across the company, including usage patterns and connected data sources. Auto-review uses OpenAI's own models to check risky actions — like anything touching connected tools or outside APIs — before they run.

ChatGPT Work Availability

ChatGPT Work is available today on web and mobile for Pro, Enterprise and Edu plans, with Plus and Business plans to follow in the coming days. The updated ChatGPT desktop app — bundling Chat, Work and Codex — is available on Mac and Windows across all plans, including Free.

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