OpenAI's recent update combining ChatGPT and Codex into one 'super app' introduces a drastically altered user interface and workflow that has upset many users, who report lost productivity features and a cluttered experience.
- ChatGPT and Codex merged into one unified app
- Essential features like projects and custom GPTs seem removed
- Users criticize confusing UI and hidden conversations
What happened
OpenAI has combined its ChatGPT and Codex applications into a single app, aiming to create a 'super app' that covers both general and technical AI use cases. The update significantly changes the app’s interface by adding a toggle at the top-left to switch between ChatGPT Work and ChatGPT Codex modes. The classic ChatGPT experience has been renamed ChatGPT Classic and is no longer the primary app, while Codex features now dominate the main ChatGPT app experience.
The app’s sidebar now focuses on scheduled tasks and plugins rather than directly showing library items or projects. Users can see only their five most recent conversation threads by default and must click further to access older chats. Many users also report that projects and custom GPTs, which were integral for workflow management, have disappeared, making it hard for those with multiple ongoing tasks to stay organized.
Why it matters
For many regular users, this revamped ChatGPT app disrupts established workflows and hinders productivity. Those who rely on archived conversations and project tracking are forced to adjust to a more cumbersome navigation system. These changes may drive users away or push them to revert to the older ChatGPT Classic app where possible.
The backlash also highlights the challenge of merging tools designed for different purposes—general-purpose conversation and code generation—into one unified platform without alienating the core user base. OpenAI’s approach affects perception of their product's usability and could impact adoption among professional users who depend on efficient task management.
What to watch next
OpenAI will need to respond to user feedback by improving the new app’s interface, restoring missing features like projects and custom GPTs, and enhancing conversation accessibility. The future availability of ChatGPT Classic, especially on macOS, remains uncertain and may be a key factor in user satisfaction.
Observers should monitor how OpenAI balances technical and user-friendly elements in this combined app, as well as the company’s support for users transitioning from legacy workflows. The evolving user response and any subsequent updates will reveal whether the 'super app' can regain user trust and meet diverse AI application needs.