ChatGPT will die because of this
You will understand why I expect the ChatGPT app to be replaced by the Codex desktop app, and you will have Codex installed on the same subscription, ready to try model speed, plugins, automations and long-running goals.
Was Sie brauchen
An OpenAI subscription (the same one you use for ChatGPT)
A Mac for the Codex desktop app (I show the Mac version)
Schritt für Schritt
Understand what changed
OpenAI has a second app, Codex. It started as a terminal tool for developers, but it now has a full desktop app that I call a flat-out replacement for ChatGPT. Both apps use the exact same model.
Remember: the body matters more than the brain
Since both apps share the same model, the difference is what surrounds it. A model connected well to the apps on your computer outperforms a better model working in isolation. Think of Codex as ChatGPT's bigger brother with better capabilities.
Note what ChatGPT still does well
Open ChatGPT and look around: I find it has not really moved in months, because OpenAI's focus is on Codex. It still covers the defaults: image generation (GPT image generation is still the best on the market), deep research and projects.
Download the Codex desktop app
Instead of using ChatGPT on the web, download the Codex app. It comes with the exact same price and subscription. It was built by a team that included macOS founders, so it integrates closely with the Mac and Apple ecosystem.
Codexhttps://chatgpt.com/codex
Pick your model and your speed
In Codex, choose the model you want, then choose how fast it responds. You can raise the speed up to 1.5 times for GPT 5.5, which you cannot do in ChatGPT. Image generation is available here too.
Add plugins and connectors
Browse the plugin libraries instead of the old ChatGPT apps. I find the connections between these apps and Codex are of better quality than ChatGPT's, which I call the first generation of AI.
Set up an automation with computer use
Go beyond daily briefs from your email or Slack. Describe an end-to-end workflow in natural language and let Codex run it fully automated with computer use.
Give Codex a long-running goal
Set a goal for Codex and walk away. Instead of working for one to five minutes, it keeps going for ten minutes, thirty, or even a couple of hours. Pick a task that deserves that much time.
Worauf Sie achten sollten
Do not judge Codex by its early version: it used to be terminal-only and developer-focused, which was not friendly. The desktop app is what I recommend.
Do not wait for ChatGPT to catch up: it has barely changed in months and I expect it to be deprecated, because OpenAI cares most about the GPT model and adoption.
Do not treat a goal like a quick chat. A goal can run for tens of minutes or a couple of hours, so plan for it.
