OpenAI Codex Update Adds Automation, App Control, and Image Generation Features

OpenAI has released a significant update to its coding tool, Codex. The new version now offers features beyond code generation, transforming Codex into a multi-functional application. Codex can now access and control any app on a user's computer, run them autonomously, and complete various tasks without supervision.

Key Highlights

• OpenAI Codex now controls and automates apps on users' computers
• Update adds in-app browser, image generation, and over 90 plugin integrations
• Codex can schedule tasks and operate autonomously in the background
• OpenAI CEO references Anthropic in comments about usage limits
• Codex now has over 3 million active users

Key Features in the Codex Update

The update allows Codex to operate in the background on macOS. It can open, click, and type in apps autonomously. Users can now rely on Codex for more than just coding tasks. The tool includes an in-app browser and supports image generation through gpt-image-1.5. This means Codex can write code, generate images, and browse websites in a single workflow. In comparison, Claude Code, a competing product from Anthropic, does not support image generation.

Codex can now run automations. According to OpenAI, the app can schedule future work and wake up automatically to continue long-term tasks. The update also adds integration with over 90 plugins, including tools from Atlassian, CircleCI, and Microsoft Suite. These additions give Codex a broader range of capabilities for professional use.

Competition and Industry Context

The update was announced shortly after OpenAI introduced its latest AI model. Following the release, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman referenced a post by Codex chief Thibault Sottiaux on X. Altman commented that he did not want Codex users to face reduced usage limits after the update. This comment appeared to reference Anthropic, a key competitor, which recently faced criticism after Claude Code users reported reaching their plan limits more quickly. Anthropic later advised users to switch to less powerful models to maximize their usage.

The rivalry between OpenAI and Anthropic has grown in recent months. Both companies have declined to collaborate, as seen during the India AI Impact Summit earlier this year. Anthropic has also added features to Claude Code, such as computer use and remote work, allowing it to operate autonomously in the background.

Codex Adoption and Availability

OpenAI reports that Codex now has over 3 million active users. The latest features are rolling out to Codex desktop app users who sign in with ChatGPT accounts. OpenAI positions Codex as a work agent capable of creating product concepts, front-end designs, gaming assets, and more. The company aims to make Codex a comprehensive tool for a range of professional tasks.