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TechOpenAI merges Codex into ChatGPT, launches GPT-5.6 models
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OpenAI announced on Thursday the integration of its popular Codex AI coding tool into the ChatGPT desktop app, alongside the launch of a new GPT-5.6 family of models and a dedicated Work setting. This move aims to transform ChatGPT into a comprehensive productivity platform for engineers and professionals, leveraging its nearly 1 billion user base. The company is intensifying competition with rivals like Anthropic, Google, Meta, and SpaceXAI, as well as cheaper Chinese AI models. Codex, now used by 5 million people weekly, has seen growing adoption in data analysis and research beyond coding. OpenAI has filed confidential paperwork for an initial public offering, though CEO Sam Altman declined to confirm a timeline for going public this year.
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OpenAI has built a super app for work. On Thursday, the company announced it is merging its popular Codex AI coding tool into the ChatGPT desktop app, a strategic move to transform the flagship AI application into a one-stop shop for engineers and other professionals. OpenAI also revealed a new "Work" setting for the ChatGPT app and introduced a batch of state-of-the-art AI models in its new GPT-5.6 family.
Strategic Ambition
The latest wave of releases encapsulates OpenAI's ambitious strategy:
- Train uber-powerful AI models
- Deliver them to ChatGPT's massive user base
- Become an indispensable part of life for millions of workers
ChatGPT has almost 1 billion users, OpenAI engineer Thibault Sottiaux said during a Thursday livestream.
Competitive Landscape
OpenAI, which held an early lead in the industry, is fighting to stay at the forefront of AI capabilities. The company is:
- Duking it out release by release with rival Anthropic
- Trying to stay ahead of Google, Meta, SpaceXAI, and cheaper Chinese AI models
Meta also announced its first paid AI model on Thursday.
Codex Evolution
OpenAI originally launched Codex as a software engineering tool and has since expanded its reach to a broader market. In June, the company released a report stating that:
- Areas like data analysis and research are growing faster than traditional coding uses on Codex
- 5 million people use the tool each week
Codex leader Andrew Ambrosino called Thursday's merger of Codex into ChatGPT "only the first" step: "We're working to unify the experience across web, mobile, and desktop—but we want to do it thoughtfully, not smash two things together with a toggle and call it a day."
New Work Feature
On OpenAI's Thursday livestream, Sottiaux and other colleagues showcased the desktop app's new Work feature, which will incorporate popular aspects of Codex, such as:
- The ability to modify a computer's files
- The ability to operate autonomously in a browser
IPO Outlook
OpenAI has filed confidential paperwork to go public. The AI competition, government involvement, and research progress could affect the timing of the company's initial public offering. When asked by CNBC on Thursday if OpenAI would go public this year, CEO Sam Altman said, "I don't know."
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OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Work Agent with GPT-5.6 for Enterprise Productivity