OpenAI has replaced its dedicated ChatGPT desktop app with a version based on Codex, leading to the removal of several popular features. Users who relied on the previous desktop experience may find the new interface less functional.

OpenAI has updated its ChatGPT desktop application, replacing the original app with a version based on Codex and integrating ChatGPT Work. This change has resulted in the removal of several everyday features that users previously relied upon. The new desktop app is described as a 'hacked version of Codex' with a pop-up window interface, and a Windows version is expected soon.

Removed Desktop Functionality

The previous ChatGPT desktop app included convenient features such as the ability to take screenshots from within the app and immediately drop them into chat. Another tool, 'Work with,' allowed users to give ChatGPT a prompt with context from the associated app's current window. Both of these productivity tools are no longer available in the updated desktop application.

Codex Integration and New Interface

The updated desktop app is now primarily the Codex app, even encouraging users to use the Codex icon. While it allows switching to a 'ChatGPT Work' mode, this mode is also based on the Codex interface and does not display a user's normal ChatGPT history, projects, or GPTs. Accessing previous ChatGPT queries requires clicking a small 'Chat' button, which opens a limited pop-up window.

Browser Version and Business Rationale

ChatGPT's full functionality, including all pinned items, projects, and chat history, remains available in the browser interface. The source suggests that the changes to the desktop app are likely driven by the higher token usage and associated costs of agentic AI tools like Codex and ChatGPT Work, which typically require more expensive subscription plans. Lower-tier plans may experience rapid throttling when using these agentic features.