ChatGPT Desktop Application
by OpenAI
Unified desktop application for ChatGPT with integrated Chat, Work, and Codex modes. Available on macOS and Windows. Includes browser, file operations, scheduled tasks, and computer-use capabilities. Successor to standalone Codex desktop application.
Overview
ChatGPT Desktop Application is OpenAI’s unified desktop experience launched globally in 2025-2026. It consolidates Chat, Work (agentic task execution), and Codex (code generation) into a single three-mode interface with integrated browser, file operations, and scheduling capabilities. Replaces the previous standalone Codex Desktop application.
Release Timeline
- October 21, 2025: ChatGPT Atlas browser version launched (macOS)
- 2025-2026: Unified desktop app released globally on macOS and Windows
- Soon: iOS and Android versions coming
- August 9, 2026: ChatGPT Atlas browser discontinuation (target date)
- Note: Previous ChatGPT desktop app renamed “ChatGPT Classic”
Platforms
- macOS: Available now
- Windows: Available now
- iOS: Coming soon
- Android: Coming soon
Three-Mode Interface
Chat Mode
- Conversational interface with ChatGPT models
- Multi-turn reasoning and context awareness
- Web search and information retrieval
Work Mode
- Agentic task execution with progress reviews
- Autonomous planning and multi-step workflows
- Human approval gates for sensitive operations
- Scheduled task automation (one-time, recurring, event-triggered)
Codex Mode
- Code generation and completion
- Multi-language support
- Code explanation and refactoring assistance
- Integration with development workflows
Core Features
Integrated Browser
- Multi-tab browsing within the app
- Context-aware web search and retrieval
- Information gathering for tasks
ChatGPT Sites
- Create interactive websites and lightweight apps
- No-code/low-code app development
- Deploy and share within the desktop app
Scheduled Tasks
- One-time task scheduling
- Recurring automation (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Event-triggered workflows
- Background processing and execution
Computer Use
- Visual interface understanding
- Desktop application control
- File system operations
- Background task execution
File Integration
- Works with files and everyday tools
- Document creation and editing
- Spreadsheet generation and manipulation
- PDF creation and analysis
Plugin Ecosystem
- 1,400+ integrated plugins
- Third-party service integrations
- Custom workflow automations
Pricing & Availability
Available on all ChatGPT plans:
- Free
- Go ($15/month)
- Plus ($20/month)
- Pro ($200/month)
- Business ($30/user/month)
- Enterprise (custom)
- Education
Migration from Codex Desktop
- Automatic transition: Existing Codex Desktop users automatically migrated to new unified app
- Full feature parity: All Codex capabilities maintained and enhanced
- Expanded capabilities: Added Work mode and Chat integration
Use Cases
Software Development
- Code generation and completion
- Multi-file refactoring
- Documentation generation
- Testing and debugging assistance
Knowledge Work
- Document and report generation
- Data analysis and visualization
- Research synthesis and summarization
- Email and communication drafting
Task Automation
- Scheduled daily reports
- Recurring workflow automation
- Multi-step task orchestration
- Integration with existing tools
Web Research
- Integrated browser-based research
- Information gathering for tasks
- Real-time context for problem-solving
Technical Architecture
- Local file operations
- Background task processing
- Multi-tab browser integration
- Direct model access to GPT-5.6 and other OpenAI models
Competitive Positioning
- Unified experience: Combines chat, coding, and work in single app
- Desktop-first: Native applications for macOS/Windows vs. browser-only
- Integrated browser: Built-in web access without context switching
- Scheduled automation: Native task scheduling without external tools
- ChatGPT Sites: App creation without leaving desktop app