OpenAI launches ChatGPT Work as competition with Anthropic intensifies

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Work, an artificial intelligence agent designed to help office workers use coding-based tools for creating documents, presentations and websites without requiring technical expertise.

The service combines ChatGPT with OpenAI’s Codex coding system and is powered by GPT-5.6, the company’s latest AI model, which was also introduced on Thursday.

ChatGPT Work will initially be available on web and mobile to Pro, Enterprise and Edu users. OpenAI plans to extend access to Plus and Business subscribers over the following days.

The launch places OpenAI in direct competition with Anthropic’s Claude Cowork, which was introduced in January and is designed to plan and carry out multi-step tasks with limited human involvement. Microsoft has also entered the market with Copilot Cowork.

The products are aimed at non-coders seeking access to the capabilities of AI coding tools, which can perform more complex tasks than conventional chatbots but generally require specialised knowledge.

OpenAI said ChatGPT Work would allow users to apply coding capabilities across a range of industries while offering lower costs and wider availability than competing products.

The company released GPT-5.6 in three sizes. Ty Geri, product manager for ChatGPT Work, said the model was designed to compete with more expensive systems while operating at twice the speed and at a lower cost.

Max Weinbach, an analyst at Creative Strategies, said the smallest version of GPT-5.6 could complete some tasks at a level comparable with the largest model while costing about one-fifth as much.

The launch comes as technology companies compete for enterprise customers seeking AI agents capable of handling complex professional tasks. Business users are considered a more profitable market than individual consumers for companies including OpenAI and Anthropic, both of which are preparing for possible public offerings.

OpenAI had previously launched Operator and deep research before combining them into ChatGPT Agent for individual users. It also offers Workspace Agents for automating enterprise workflows.

Alongside ChatGPT Work, OpenAI announced a new desktop application and a hosted websites feature that will allow users to create and share websites directly through the service.

The release of GPT-5.6 had been delayed in June at the request of the United States government because of national security concerns.