The restricted preview phase for OpenAI's GPT-5.6 model has officially concluded.
Following approximately two weeks of regulatory scrutiny, during which GPT-5.6 was exclusively available to government-approved organizations in a "limited preview," OpenAI has now secured the Trump administration’s approval for a public release of the model.
To mark this milestone, OpenAI simultaneously introduced a new AI agent: ChatGPT Work. This innovative offering is presented as a fusion of ChatGPT and Codex, designed to empower everyday non-technical users to leverage Codex’s advanced capabilities for a wide array of non-coding tasks. It is powered by the GPT-5.6 model suite, comprising Sol, Terra, and Luna. OpenAI stated in a blog post that ChatGPT Work "can gather context from the apps, files, and workflows you choose and create finished materials such as documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and web apps." The company further highlighted a "unified plugins directory" that enables ChatGPT to seamlessly integrate with essential tools like Slack, Gmail, Google Drive, calendars, and CRMs.
Users on Mac and Windows platforms globally, including those with free ChatGPT accounts, are expected to gain immediate access to ChatGPT Work and GPT-5.6 via the ChatGPT desktop application. For mobile and web users, Pro, Enterprise, and Edu subscribers will be the first to receive access, with Plus and Business users following "over the next few days," as detailed by OpenAI. The company affirmed that the "rollout is starting globally and will continue gradually toward full availability over the next 24 hours."
The competitive landscape among AI developers, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and tech giants such as Google and recently Apple, has seen intense efforts to pioneer truly useful AI agents for the average individual. This drive has been particularly influenced by the emergence of the viral open-source AI agent, OpenClaw. Despite these endeavors, results have varied, and the vision of a universally accessible, highly effective "right-hand" AI agent for consumers largely remains aspirational.
OpenAI is strategically positioning its new product, a direct competitor to Anthropic’s Claude Cowork (which combines Claude and Claude Code), to advance its leadership in this rapidly evolving race.
A significant focus for OpenAI is Sol, identified as the most powerful component of the GPT-5.6 model suite. The company anticipates Sol will establish "a new standard for intelligence and efficiency," particularly excelling in areas such as coding, cybersecurity, science, and general computer usage capabilities. Furthermore, OpenAI is marketing this model as a more cost-effective alternative to the most powerful offerings from competitors, addressing ongoing concerns within the industry regarding financial pressures and the passing of AI lab costs onto customers.
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