OpenAI is merging ChatGPT's Chat and Work tabs, with Codex sharing the same usage limit
On 2 November 2026, TechCrunch and Thurrott reported that OpenAI is merging the Chat and Work tabs in ChatGPT, according to an email to users. Codex stays a separate part of the desktop app but will share ChatGPT's usage limit. A few users get the change first, and no date is given for everyone.
The short version
- 01OpenAI emailed ChatGPT users that it is merging the Chat and Work tabs, as reported by TechCrunch and Thurrott.
- 02You will be able to bring files and plugins and ask ChatGPT to build a website or a presentation.
- 03Codex stays a separate experience in the ChatGPT desktop app.
- 04ChatGPT and Codex will share one usage allowance. Thurrott reports this starts in December for Plus, Pro and Business.
- 05A limited group gets the new view first. There is no public date for everyone.
At a glance
| Reported | 2 November 2026 |
|---|---|
| Company | OpenAI |
| Product | ChatGPT (Chat and Work tabs) |
| Codex | Stays separate in the desktop app |
| Usage limit | ChatGPT and Codex share one allowance |
| Shared limit starts | December, for Plus, Pro and Business (per Thurrott) |
| Rollout | Limited group first, no date for everyone |
| Status | Reported (OpenAI's email, quoted by two outlets) |
What is changing in ChatGPT?
TechCrunch and Thurrott report that OpenAI is merging the Chat and Work tabs in ChatGPT. OpenAI told users in an email.
Chat is for quick questions. Work, according to OpenAI's help page, is an agent for longer, multi-step jobs. The merge puts both in one place.
What does OpenAI say it will do?
The email, as quoted by Thurrott, says you can bring in your files and plugins and ask ChatGPT to build a website, create a presentation, or do things for you on the web, while you review its work.
This will enable you to move from exploring an idea to having ChatGPT carry it through, all in one place.
OpenAI, in its email to users, as quoted by Thurrott
What happens to Codex and usage limits?
Codex, OpenAI's coding tool, stays a separate experience in the ChatGPT desktop app. But ChatGPT and Codex will draw from the same usage allowance.
Thurrott reports the shared allowance starts in December for ChatGPT Plus, Pro and Business users. OpenAI says most people will not notice, though some may wait for limit resets more often.
Who gets it, and when?
The new view goes first to a limited group of users, so OpenAI can collect feedback. It will then roll out more widely. Neither TechCrunch nor Thurrott gives a date for everyone.
Why does it matter?
ChatGPT is used by very many people, and one screen is simpler than choosing a tab first. The shared limit is the part to watch if you use ChatGPT and Codex heavily.
What's next?
A wider rollout, with no date yet. This story rests on OpenAI's email as reported by two outlets, and Open Loop News will update it when OpenAI confirms more.
Questions people ask
Is OpenAI removing the Work tab?
It is merging Chat and Work into one place, according to OpenAI's email as reported by TechCrunch and Thurrott.
What happens to Codex?
Codex stays a separate experience in the ChatGPT desktop app, but shares a usage allowance with ChatGPT.
When does the shared usage limit start?
Thurrott reports December for ChatGPT Plus, Pro and Business users.
When will I get the merged tab?
A limited group gets it first. No date for everyone has been reported.
Is this confirmed?
It is Reported: two outlets quote OpenAI's own email, but we could not find an OpenAI announcement page.
Sources
- PrimaryOpenAI Help Center: ChatGPT Work and Codex
- CoverageTechCrunch: OpenAI is finally merging ChatGPT's Chat and Work tabs (2 Nov 2026)
- CoverageThurrott: OpenAI is Planning to Unify ChatGPT's Chat and Work Tabs (2 Nov 2026)
Why "Reported"? We label a story "Reported" when only the media have it so far. Spotted an error? Email hello@openloopnews.com and we will correct it.
