OpenAI to create desktop super app, combining ChatGPT app, browser and Codex app

OpenAI is preparing for a radical reorganization of its application ecosystem. Instead of maintaining a dispersed collection of tools, the company plans to create a unified desktop application that will combine previously separate products into one cohesive platform. This is not a simple interface update — it is a strategic change that aims to fundamentally transform the way millions of users worldwide interact with artificial intelligence.

The AI application market is currently undergoing transformation. While competitors — from Google with Gemini to Anthropic with Claude — are building their own ecosystems, OpenAI realizes that a fragmented approach to delivering its tools has become an obstacle. Users must switch between the ChatGPT application, browser, and specialized code editor. This is neither convenient nor intuitive, especially when it comes to advanced tasks requiring simultaneous access to multiple functions.

OpenAI's plans fit into a broader trend of consolidation in the software market — a trend we have already observed with Microsoft's integration with Copilot or Google's integration with Workspace. However, what OpenAI is doing has the potential to be more ambitious and have a greater impact on how we work with AI on a daily basis.

Three products, one screen — the logic behind consolidation

Currently, OpenAI maintains three main desktop applications, each with a different purpose. ChatGPT is an interface for conversational AI models, available on Windows and macOS. Browser allows models to browse the internet in real time, which is crucial for tasks requiring current information. Codex app (also known as Code Interpreter) is a specialized tool for developers, allowing for writing, testing, and debugging code directly in the interface.

The problem is obvious: a developer wanting to write a web application must open ChatGPT to discuss architecture, switch to Codex for actual code, and then use Browser to check documentation. This is inefficient and tiring. Even a regular user who wants to analyze data from the internet and write a report about it must juggle three applications.

A unified application will solve this problem by creating a single interface where all these capabilities will be available without switching context. Users will be able to simultaneously converse with AI, browse websites, write and run code — all in one window. This is a change that all advanced users have been waiting for.

How the super app will change daily work with AI

The term "super app" comes from East Asia — there companies like WeChat or Alipay have created ecosystems where users can manage almost every aspect of their lives in one application. OpenAI is adapting this model to the world of AI, but with a different goal: it is not about consolidating services, but about consolidating the capabilities of working with artificial intelligence.

For content creators, the super app will be a breakthrough. A journalist writing an article will be able to simultaneously: discuss the article angle with ChatGPT, search for sources in an AI-integrated browser, generate graphics or interactive code — all without leaving the main window. For programmers, the situation will be even more revolutionary. Instead of jumping between a code editor, ChatGPT, and documentation, they will have everything in one place, which will drastically speed up their work.

Polish creators and developers, who are increasingly relying on OpenAI tools, will be particularly interested in this change. The remote work market in Poland is growing, and AI tools are becoming increasingly essential — a super app is a natural step toward a more efficient workflow.

The change will also have an impact on productivity. Research shows that each context switch between applications costs users an average of 15-25 minutes of productivity daily. If the super app reduces the number of switches by even half, it could translate to several hours of saved time monthly for advanced users.

Technical and interface challenges

Creating a truly cohesive super app is not a simple matter. OpenAI must face several serious technical challenges. First, each of the three existing products has a completely different architecture and different operating model. ChatGPT is a conversational interface, Browser is a web scraping tool, and Codex is a code execution environment. Combining them into one coherent system requires rebuilding the fundamental layers of the application.

Second, there is the problem of resource management. If a user is simultaneously conducting a conversation, browsing the internet, and running code, the application must intelligently allocate CPU and RAM resources. On weaker computers, this could lead to slowdowns. OpenAI will need to find a balance between functionality and performance.

Interface is the third major challenge. How to present three different types of functionality in one intuitive interface? Too many buttons and options will make the application complex. Too few — and advanced users will feel limited. OpenAI must find the sweet spot, probably through intelligent hiding of advanced options and progressive feature disclosure depending on context.

Security and privacy are also key issues. If the application is to browse the internet, it must do so safely, avoiding threats such as phishing or malicious scripts. At the same time, OpenAI must ensure that user data — both conversations and browsed pages — are encrypted and protected.

Competition is already moving — market response

OpenAI is not the only company that has recognized the potential of a super app for AI. Google is preparing Gemini integration with the entire Google Workspace ecosystem, which will allow users to access AI directly from Gmail, Docs, or Sheets. Anthropic, although less advanced in its approach to desktop applications, is also experimenting with different interfaces for Claude.

However, OpenAI has a clear advantage. ChatGPT is still the most popular AI application in the world, with tens of millions of active users. If OpenAI can successfully integrate its tools, it can create a network effect that will be difficult for competitors to overcome. Users who get used to the super app will be less inclined to switch to alternative solutions.

Microsoft, which has a strategic partnership with OpenAI and is integrating ChatGPT into Windows and Office, will observe this change with interest. This could mean that Copilot — Microsoft's AI assistant — will need to evolve to remain competitive. Polish enterprises investing in Microsoft 365 tools should be aware of these market changes.

Monetization and super app business model

The open question is: how will OpenAI make money from the super app? Currently, the ChatGPT application is free for most users, with a paid ChatGPT Plus subscription option for $20 per month. Browser and Codex are available to Plus subscribers.

The super app could change this model. OpenAI could introduce tiered pricing plans, where the free version includes basic ChatGPT access, and paid plans unlock the full capabilities of Browser and Codex. They could also introduce a consumption-based model — users pay for each query to the API or for each executed code. This would be similar to the model that Google uses for its cloud services.

For business, the super app opens new monetization opportunities. Companies may want to implement the super app in their organizations, which could lead to a corporate subscription model. OpenAI is already experimenting with this approach through ChatGPT Enterprise, but the super app could accelerate this.

Implementation path and timeline

OpenAI has not disclosed a specific timeline for super app implementation, but given the company's pace of innovation, one can expect that the project is in an advanced stage of development. Most likely, the application will be tested in a beta program by selected users before full deployment.

The implementation process will likely be phased. First, the super app could be made available to ChatGPT Plus users as an exclusive feature. Then, after gathering feedback and optimization, it could be offered to all users. OpenAI must be careful not to introduce regressions in functionality — users will expect the super app to be at least as good as existing tools, and ideally better.

Implementation in the Polish market will depend on the availability of Polish language support. OpenAI should ensure that the interface, documentation, and user support are fully localized. Poland is a dynamic market for AI tools, with a growing number of developers and content creators who could become early adopters of the super app.

Implications for the AI tools ecosystem

If OpenAI's super app succeeds, it could have profound implications for the entire AI tools ecosystem. Other companies will have to decide: should they build their own super apps or remain specialists in narrow fields? This is a fundamental strategic question.

For third-party developers, the super app can be both an opportunity and a threat. On one hand, integration with the super app could provide access to millions of users. On the other hand, if OpenAI embeds too much functionality directly in the application, it could reduce the demand for external tools. The plugins and integrations ecosystem that OpenAI has been building over the past few years will need to evolve.

The Polish IT industry, which is increasingly specializing in AI tools and automation, should carefully observe these changes. New opportunities may emerge for companies offering integrations, training, or consulting regarding the super app. At the same time, companies relying on ChatGPT interfaces may need to adapt their products to the new ecosystem.

OpenAI's super app represents a natural evolution of the AI market. As technology matures, users expect not only better models but also better user experiences. Consolidating three tools into one is a logical step that could significantly impact productivity and AI accessibility for millions of people worldwide. If OpenAI can implement this without compromises in functionality or performance, it could set a new standard for what modern AI applications should look like.