OpenAI unveils ChatGPT Work during a livestream—the next chapter for ChatGPT

Thursday, 09 July 2026 at 19:36

OpenAI laat ChatGPT Work zien tijdens livestream dit is het nieuwe hoofdstuk voor ChatGPT

During a global livestream, OpenAI unveiled the next phase of ChatGPT. Under the banner “Introducing the next chapter for ChatGPT,” the company presented not only its latest AI model, GPT-5.6, but also three major product upgrades designed to turn ChatGPT from a chatbot into a full-fledged work platform. According to OpenAI, the update focuses on productivity, collaboration, and automating complex work.

The headline announcement is ChatGPT Work, a new AI agent that can independently handle extensive tasks. OpenAI also introduced a completely revamped desktop app for Windows and macOS, plus a feature that lets users build and host complete websites directly from ChatGPT.

ChatGPT Work aims to redefine how you work

The standout debut is ChatGPT Work. Until now, ChatGPT mainly answered questions or executed one-off commands; Work is built to complete entire projects end to end.

According to OpenAI, the AI agent can autonomously gather information, analyze files, consult multiple apps, and ultimately deliver a polished final product. Examples include:

reports;
presentations;
spreadsheets;
dashboards;
web applications;
research documents.

ChatGPT Work can connect to business services like Gmail, Google Drive, Slack, calendars, and CRM systems. That gives the model far more context than before and enables longer, more complex workflows without the user micromanaging every step.

GPT-5.6 is the engine under the hood

Under the hood, ChatGPT Work runs on GPT-5.6, OpenAI’s latest flagship model.

CEO Sam Altman calls GPT-5.6 “the best model OpenAI has ever built.” It arrives in multiple variants—Sol, Terra, and Luna—each optimized for different use cases like complex reasoning, software development, and fast, cost-efficient AI tasks.

According to OpenAI, GPT-5.6 offers:

stronger reasoning;
improved coding skills;
enhanced multimodal capabilities;
expanded safety measures;
lower costs for certain tasks.

A redesigned desktop app takes center stage

The ChatGPT Desktop App also plays a pivotal role in the new strategy.

The revamped Windows and macOS app is meant to be ChatGPT’s central workspace. Users can invoke the AI via shortcuts, open files, analyze screenshots, edit documents, and run AI workflows without living in a browser tab.

OpenAI says the desktop app will be the first place many new features land before they roll out to the web version.

Build and publish websites right from ChatGPT

One eye-catching addition is Hosted Sites.

It lets users generate complete websites and publish them directly from ChatGPT. The AI not only writes the code but also handles hosting via OpenAI. That means you can put a site online without an external hosting provider or dev environment. During the livestream, OpenAI showed how a few prompts can publish interactive websites and web apps.

The move builds on earlier Codex capabilities for generating sites, bringing that power straight into ChatGPT for a much wider audience.

From chatbot to all-in-one AI work platform

With these announcements, ChatGPT shifts further from a classic chatbot to a full AI platform for everyday work.

Instead of one-off prompts, OpenAI wants to automate entire workflows. ChatGPT should gather information, prep decisions, produce documents, and ultimately publish results.

That puts OpenAI squarely in the arena with business software like Microsoft 365 Copilot, Google Workspace, and Anthropic Claude. The difference: OpenAI is betting on autonomous AI agents that can carry out long-running tasks on their own.

Staggered rollout

OpenAI says GPT-5.6 is rolling out globally. The desktop app gets new features first, followed by a phased release to web and mobile. Availability depends on your plan, with Pro, Enterprise, Business, Edu, and Plus users getting earlier access than free accounts.

Why it matters

The latest announcements show OpenAI broadening its strategy. ChatGPT is evolving from a conversational assistant into an integrated platform that can run projects end to end, drive business software, and even publish websites.

The AI race is shifting from who has the “best model” to who can automate the most day-to-day work. GPT-5.6 is the technical foundation, while ChatGPT Work is the first tangible step toward an AI that operates like a digital colleague—not just a chatbot.