Prime Highlights:
- OpenAI has introduced a standalone Codex app for Apple computers, allowing developers to manage multiple agents and streamline coding projects.
- The app includes built-in skills, like image generation, enabling agents to assist with a wider range of tasks beyond coding.
Key Facts:
- Agents in the app work in separate project threads, letting users track progress, review changes, and collaborate efficiently.
- Codex access is now temporarily available to free and low-cost Go subscription users, expanding availability across supported platforms.
Background:
OpenAI has launched a standalone application for its coding assistant, Codex, now available on Apple computers. The app is designed to make it easier for developers to manage multiple agents while working on software projects.
The new Codex app has a simple, user-friendly interface and serves as a central workspace where developers can oversee several agents at once. These agents can handle tasks like writing, reviewing, and updating code on behalf of users.
AI-driven coding tools have seen a sharp rise in adoption over the past year, and OpenAI is positioning Codex to compete more directly with rival platforms from companies such as Anthropic and Cursor. According to OpenAI, more than one million developers used Codex in the past month alone. The tool was first introduced in April and became generally available in October.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described Codex as the company’s most popular internal product to date. Speaking to reporters, he said the tool has transformed how teams at OpenAI build software, adding that he has personally used it to create new projects.
The app also includes built-in skills, like image generation, so agents can help with more than just coding.
Access to Codex is usually included with ChatGPT subscriptions, such as Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu plans, with extra usage credits available for purchase. OpenAI announced that Codex will now be temporarily available to free users and those on its lower-cost Go plan. This change allows all ChatGPT users to use Codex on supported platforms, including the new Apple app.
To encourage more usage, OpenAI is also temporarily doubling the limits for paid users, giving developers more capacity to complete tasks.
This launch is part of OpenAI’s effort to grow its developer community and strengthen its position in the fast-growing market for coding tools.
