OpenAI has released a new Codex desktop app for macOS, giving developers a powerful way to work with multiple AI agents at the same time. The app is designed to manage complex coding tasks, run work in parallel, and handle long projects that may take hours, days, or even weeks to complete.
According to OpenAI, the Codex app acts like a central command centre. It builds on Codex’s existing tools such as the command line interface (CLI), IDE extensions, and cloud services, but brings everything together in one desktop interface.
The main feature of the app is its ability to run multiple AI agents simultaneously. Each agent works in its own separate thread and can be assigned to a specific project or task. This allows users to divide work between agents instead of relying on just one. Users can switch between agents without losing progress, review changes, comment on updates, or open files directly in their code editor for manual edits.
The app is especially useful for long-running tasks. It saves session history and settings from earlier Codex tools, so users can continue existing projects without setting everything up again.
To avoid conflicts, each agent works in an isolated environment. Built-in support for worktrees allows agents to work on separate copies of the same codebase. This means multiple ideas can be tested at once without affecting the main project.
Codex is not limited to writing code. It also supports “skills”, which let agents collect information, write documents, create content, or use external tools. OpenAI showed this by having Codex design, build, and test a 3D racing game over a long session.
The app also includes Automations, allowing users to schedule tasks that run quietly in the background. Results appear later for review.
For security, the app uses system-level protection. Agents can only access approved files and limited web data unless users give permission.
The Codex app is available on macOS. It can be used by ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu users. For a limited time, Free and Go users can also try it with some limits.
