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OpenAI's Codex can now run in background, open apps
17 Apr 2026

OpenAI has upgraded its automated tool, Codex, with a host of new features.

The biggest addition is the ability for Codex to run in the background on your computer.

It can now open any app on your desktop and perform operations using a cursor that clicks and types.

This means multiple agents can work simultaneously on a user's Mac without interfering with other tasks.

In-app browser for web applications
Enhanced functionality

Along with the background operation feature, Codex now comes with an in-app browser.

This lets users issue commands to the agentic tool, which can then execute them on specific web applications.

OpenAI says this will be particularly useful for frontend and game development.

The company also plans to expand this capability so that Codex can fully control the browser beyond just web applications on localhost.

Codex gets memory and image generation capabilities
Advanced features

A new preview feature called "memory" has been added to Codex. This lets the tool remember previous work sessions and create relevant context about a user's working style.

The agent also gets a new image-generation capability, which can be used for creating product concepts, slide visuals, mockups, placeholder images among other things.

Plugin integrations and new pricing model
Plugin updates

OpenAI has also announced 111 plugin integrations from apps like CodeRabbit and Gitlab Issues.

These plugins allow Codex to perform tasks related to those tools, effectively handling minor clerical work for users.

The company has also introduced a pay-as-you-go pricing model for ChatGPT enterprise and business customers, giving them more flexibility in using the coding tool's services.