OpenAI Codex App Update

Major update to Codex desktop app (macOS/Windows) adding computer use, browsing, images, memory, plugins for developer workflows.

TL;DR

  • Download app: https://openai.com/codex/
  • Sign in with ChatGPT account.
  • Key additions: computer control, in-app browser, image gen (gpt-image-1.5), 90+ plugins, memory, automations, SDLC tools (PR reviews, SSH, multi-terminals).

New Features

Computer & Browser Use

| Feature | Description | |---------|-------------| | Background computer use | Sees/clicks/types with own cursor; multiple agents on macOS in parallel. | | In-app browser | Comment on pages for precise instructions; for frontend/game dev. | | Remote access | SSH to devboxes (alpha). |

Media & Files

| Feature | Description | |---------|-------------| | Image generation | Uses gpt-image-1.5 for visuals, mockups, designs. | | File sidebar | Previews PDFs, spreadsheets, slides, docs. | | Summary pane | Tracks agent plans, sources, artifacts. |

Persistence & Automation

| Feature | Description | |---------|-------------| | Memory (preview) | Remembers preferences, corrections, context. | | Automations | Reuse threads; schedule/recurring tasks (e.g., PRs, Slack/Gmail/Notion). | | Proactive suggestions | Prioritizes tasks from projects/plugins/memory (e.g., Docs comments + Slack). |

SDLC Support

  • GitHub PR review comments.
  • Multiple terminal tabs.
  • Deeper workflows: code writing, outputs, reviews, collaboration.

Plugins (90+ new)

  • Atlassian Rovo (JIRA).
  • CircleCI.
  • CodeRabbit.
  • GitLab Issues.
  • Microsoft Suite.
  • Neon (Databricks).
  • Remotion.
  • Render.
  • Superpowers.

Availability

| Feature/Region | Status | |----------------|--------| | Core updates | Rolling out now to desktop app (ChatGPT sign-in). | | Personalization (suggestions/memory) | Soon for Enterprise, Edu, EU/UK. | | Computer use | macOS initial; EU/UK soon. | | Windows | Supported (general app). |

Gotchas

  • Computer use: macOS first.
  • Plugins/MCP: Combine skills, integrations for context/actions.
  • Date: Announced April 16, 2026.

Original article

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