When OpenAI went public with ChatGPT for the first time in November 2022, a browser was enough – along with knowledge of the URL: the interface for text-based communication with the Large Language Model (LLM) was located at openai.com/chatgpt. Since then, the AI provider has released various applications, including three different Mac programs: ChatGPT for chat, Codex for software development and Atlas for AI-supported browsing. The new ChatGPT version that has now been released combines all three – and adds a new agentic mode with “Work”. This new “Work” tab is front and center; It allows users to interact with web services or the file system. When setting up the app, the new ChatGPT app suggests granting access to services such as Slack, Google Calendar or the macOS desktop. ChatGPT uses plugins for this purpose. A few dozen are available for installation; “Computer Use” takes control of the Mac screen if the user allows it. The pre-installed browser plug-in carries out online research. The app occasionally uses screenshots. You have to allow ChatGPT to do this once.
ChatGPT Work can request the operation of locally installed apps via the “Computer Use” plugin.
Confusing naming
Anyone who previously used the ChatGPT app will notice after an update that it has been renamed – it is now called “ChatGPT Classic”. Users of the “Codex” programming app update directly to the new, 1.5 GB ChatGPT app. In it, users can switch between the “Work” and “Codex” modes. Atlas, OpenAI’s standalone browser, is being discontinued – it is now integrated into the new all-in-one app. The familiar chat interaction without extensive access calculations lives on in the “Chat” entry – it appears in a separate chat interface in the lower right corner.
New model
At the same time, OpenAI is moving to version 5.6 of the underlying LLM. It comes in “Terra” and “Luna” variants; Alternatively, the older variants 5.5 and 5.4 mini are available. With all of them, users can choose between four to five effort levels. The new flagship model called Sol will be added in many regions in the next few weeks. Free use is highly restricted and limited to ChatGPT 5.5; If you want more, you can pay between 8 and 103 euros per month as a private user.
