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.