OpenAI merges ChatGPT Chat and Work tabs into unified interface

A unified AI experience

OpenAI is beginning a transition to merge the Chat and Work tabs within the ChatGPT interface. This move aims to create a single, unified experience for users who currently have to toggle between different modes. The company announced the change in an email sent to ChatGPT Pro subscribers.

Currently, the Chat tab is designed for everyday conversations and general tasks. In contrast, the Work tab is intended for more complex projects that require a broader knowledge base. By combining these, OpenAI hopes to create a smoother workflow for people who move between these types of interactions frequently.

The goal is to allow users to build on ideas without manual navigation. For example, a user could explore a concept in a standard chat and then immediately transition into building a presentation or a website. This integration is intended to make the transition between creative brainstorming and technical execution feel more seamless.

Testing in the Middle East

The new unified interface is not rolling out to everyone at once. Instead, OpenAI is starting with a small group of users in specific regions. This test is currently active for people in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Because this is a test-stage change, it will not appear on every account immediately. OpenAI stated that they will use any feedback received from these users to improve the experience before a wider release. A specific regional timeline for the global rollout has not been published yet.

Users in these regions can continue to use the existing separate tabs for now. Until the update is pushed to their specific accounts, the current layout remains the standard. The company is prioritizing refinement based on early user data before committing to a full launch.

Changes to Codex and limits

While the Chat and Work tabs are merging, the Codex tool will remain in its own separate tab. However, there will be a significant change in how users access this tool regarding their usage limits. Codex will soon draw on the same token allowance as other ChatGPT features.

A token is a unit of data that the AI processes to generate a response. By sharing the allowance, OpenAI intends to make the usage limits more predictable for subscribers. The company noted that most users should not have to wait for their usage to reset more than they do currently.

This shift follows previous updates regarding usage caps. For instance, ChatGPT Plus users previously saw a 5-hour usage cap return for Work and Codex. The new unified system aims to manage these limits more holistically across the different tools available to the user.

The end of the Classic app

OpenAI also confirmed a long-term plan to retire the ChatGPT Classic app for macOS users. Support for this specific version of the software will officially end on January 30, 2027. This means users will eventually be required to move to the newer version of the ChatGPT app.

The company is already prompting users to make this transition. A notification spotted by 9to5Mac informs users that they can switch to the newer app without losing their data. The message clarifies that the full chat history comes with the user during the move.

For users in the Middle East who currently rely on the Classic app, this transition is a necessary step. While the deadline is several years away, the company is encouraging early adoption to ensure everyone is on the updated platform. This move aligns with the broader goal of consolidating the ChatGPT experience into a single, modern interface.

Context and next steps

This move toward a unified interface is not unique to OpenAI. The company noted that Anthropic took a similar approach with its Claude AI chatbot earlier this year. Both companies appear to be moving toward a model where different AI capabilities are more integrated into a single workspace.

For users in the Middle East, the immediate focus is on the testing phase. There is currently no pricing information released for the merged experience in these specific regions. Users are encouraged to check their specific subscription details within the app to see how their plans might be affected as the update rolls out.

As the transition progresses, the focus will shift from testing to broad deployment. Users should keep an eye on their accounts for the new unified view and ensure they are using the updated macOS app before the 2027 deadline. This transition represents a significant shift in how users will interact with OpenAI's suite of tools.