OpenAI launches ChatGPT Work, its AI agent for enterprise task automation

OpenAI launched ChatGPT Work on Thursday, an AI agent that connects to tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams to automate workplace tasks.openai+1
The redesigned ChatGPT desktop app for Mac and Windows now combines Chat, Work, and the Codex coding agent, while the Atlas browser will be retired by Aug. 9.engadget+1
ChatGPT Work is available now for Pro, Enterprise, and Edu subscribers, with Plus and Business plans gaining access in the coming days.openai+1

OpenAI on Thursday unveiled ChatGPT Work, an AI agent embedded in its flagship chatbot that can autonomously execute workplace tasks across corporate applications, files, and workflows — the company's most ambitious move yet into enterprise automation.

A Productivity Agent for Non-Coders

Announced during a July 9 livestream, ChatGPT Work is powered by the newly released GPT-5.6 model family and can operate continuously for hours on complex projects, breaking broad goals into smaller steps and completing them independently. The tool produces finished materials including documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and web applications, targeting users who need AI-driven capabilities without technical expertise.foxbusiness+2

"ChatGPT Work is an agent that can take action across your apps and files, stay with a project for hours if needed, and turn a goal into finished work," OpenAI said in its announcement. The agent connects to workplace tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams via plugins, pulling in context to create and refine outputs in the background.openai+1

ChatGPT Work is available immediately for Pro, Enterprise, and Edu plan subscribers on web and mobile, with Plus and Business plans gaining access in the coming days. On the desktop app, all three modes — Chat, Work, and Codex — are accessible on every plan, including the free tier.coursiv+1

A Redesigned Desktop App

Alongside ChatGPT Work, OpenAI launched a redesigned ChatGPT desktop application for Mac and Windows that consolidates its chat interface, the Codex coding agent, and a built-in web browser into a single application. The former standalone Codex app now merges into this unified desktop experience, while OpenAI's Atlas browser will be deprecated by August 9.engadget+2

The app also supports task scheduling from mobile, allowing users to assign work remotely and track progress when they return to their desks.engadget

Intensifying Enterprise Rivalry

The launch comes as OpenAI, which is preparing for an initial public offering, deepens its competition with Anthropic in the enterprise AI market. The wide release of GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna models — delayed roughly two weeks at the request of the U.S. government — accompanied Thursday's announcements. Reuters reported that the tool marks "the startup's latest push into workplace automation", as OpenAI moves ChatGPT from a question-answering interface toward a general-purpose productivity platform.cnbc+1

Sources (14)