OpenAI Expands Codex With New Features, Bringing Advanced Dev Workflows to Desktop

OpenAI is continuing to expand its Codex desktop experience, bringing a wave of new features to both Windows and Mac shortly after launching the app on Microsoft’s platform. The update marks a clear shift, turning Codex from a simple LLM-based interface into a more complete development companion.

Computer Use Expands Automation on macOS

One of the biggest additions is computer use, although it’s currently limited to macOS. With this feature, Codex can see, click, and type using its own cursor, allowing it to control apps even without dedicated APIs. On Mac, multiple agents can also run in parallel, opening the door for more complex and automated workflows.

In-App Browser Improves Feedback Workflows

OpenAI is also introducing an in-app browser that lets users comment directly on web pages and provide precise instructions to the agent. This should streamline feedback loops, with broader browser workflow support planned for future updates.

Native Image Generation Added

Image generation is now built directly into Codex as well. The app integrates the gpt-image-1.5 model, enabling users to create and refine images as part of their development workflow without leaving the environment.

Plugin Ecosystem Gets Major Expansion

The update also significantly expands plugin support, with 90 new plugins added. These include integrations such as Atlassian Rovo, CircleCI, GitLab Issues, Microsoft Suite, Neon (Databricks), and Render, further positioning Codex as a hub for development and productivity tools.

Workflow Tools Become More Advanced

Workflow improvements play a major role in this release. Codex now supports GitHub review comments, multiple terminal tabs, and SSH connections to remote devboxes in alpha. Users can also preview files like PDFs, spreadsheets, slides, and documents directly in the sidebar. A new summary pane provides visibility into agent plans, sources, and generated artifacts.

Productivity and Long-Running Tasks

On the productivity side, Codex introduces the ability to reuse conversation threads while retaining context, schedule tasks for later, and resume long-running work across days or even weeks.

Looking ahead, OpenAI plans to add a memory system that stores user preferences and corrections, along with context-aware suggestions that proactively recommend next steps.

Availability and Limitations

The update is rolling out now to Codex desktop users with a ChatGPT account. However, personalization features such as memory and suggestions will arrive later for Enterprise, Edu, EU, and UK users, while the computer-use capability remains macOS-only for now.

In other news, OpenAI has launched the GPT-5.4-Cyber model focused on cybersecurity. Meanwhile, reports suggest that Claude Opus 4.7 outperforms GPT-5.4 in agentic coding.

Via Neowin