ChatGPT Work and GPT-5.6 Release

ChatGPT Work and GPT-5.6 Release

OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Work Powered by GPT-5.6

OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Work, an agent designed to execute ambitious, multi-step tasks by gathering information across various apps and workflows to produce finished materials such as spreadsheets, slides, documents, and web apps. This system is powered by the new frontier model GPT-5.6, which provides state-of-the-art reasoning for complex tasks and the ability to generate materials that adhere to specific templates and reference files.

Agentic Capabilities and Workflow Automation

ChatGPT Work moves beyond simple Q&A to independent execution of complex projects. It can break large goals into smaller steps and complete them independently over several hours.

Multi-Step Workflows

Users can delegate entire workflows with a single request. For example, the agent can transform customer research into a campaign brief, use that brief to create marketing assets, and adapt those assets for different markets while maintaining context throughout the process.

Scheduled Tasks

Scheduled Tasks allow ChatGPT Work to operate independently even when the user is offline. Capabilities include:

  • Monitoring new messages from Slack and Microsoft Teams to update documents or slides.
  • Reviewing weekly Slack updates to refresh meeting agendas.
  • Checking dashboards and websites daily to summarize changes in a report.
  • Monitoring customer feedback to prioritize product ideas.
  • Updating presentations based on email feedback.

"Sites" Public Beta

OpenAI is introducing "Sites" in public beta, allowing users to turn ideas or work into interactive web apps or sites (such as live dashboards, project trackers, or internal portals) that can be shared via URL. These sites can be updated automatically as underlying information changes.

Desktop Integration and Computer Use

ChatGPT Work is integrated across web, mobile, and desktop, with the desktop app offering expanded capabilities for local environment interaction.

Built-in Browser and Local Access

The desktop app includes a built-in browser that allows ChatGPT to research markets, compare sources, and refine files from Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 directly within the app. It can also access local files and applications to execute tasks.

Computer Use

On desktop, "Computer Use" enables ChatGPT to execute tasks in the background by clicking, typing, and moving files across various apps and tools. This can be used for one-time tasks or integrated into Scheduled Tasks.

Codex Integration

The Codex app is merging into the ChatGPT desktop app. Codex remains a dedicated coding agent for developers, now featuring:

  • Inline editing within diffs.
  • Pull request review in a side panel.
  • Faster computer use powered by GPT-5.6.
  • Support for multiple repositories within a single project.

Enterprise Implementation and Use Cases

OpenAI reports that nearly 100% of internal teams at OpenAI, including finance and sales, use ChatGPT Work and Codex.

Real-World Applications

  • Sales: The system can turn a discovery conversation into a tailored proof of concept within 24 hours, a process that typically takes weeks, by structuring notes and collaborating with technical teams.
  • Finance: Month-end close and forecasting processes have been reduced from days to hours by automating data retrieval from sources into Excel or Sheets, reconciliation, and slide creation.

Security and Governance

ChatGPT Work is built on the ChatGPT Enterprise foundation. Key security features include:

  • Admin Controls: Enterprise and Edu admins can centrally manage access to plugins, connected tools, and company context.
  • Compliance API: Provides large-scale visibility into conversations and actions for oversight.
  • Auto-review: Uses advanced models to review critical actions involving APIs and connected tools before execution to prevent unauthorized data sharing.

Availability and Pricing

  • Web and Mobile: Rolling out today for Pro, Enterprise, and Edu plans, with Plus and Business plans following in the next few days.
  • Desktop App: Available globally for Mac and Windows on all plans, including Free. (The previous desktop app is renamed ChatGPT Classic).
  • Usage: ChatGPT Work follows the same usage structure as Codex, where complex tasks may consume more of a plan's included usage. Enterprise and Edu admins can set spend controls and group limits via the Admin Console.

Sources