OpenAI to merge Chat and Work tabs in desktop app

Streamlining the desktop experience

OpenAI is planning to update the desktop version of its ChatGPT platform to make the user experience more convenient. The company intends to merge the Chat and Work tabs into a single interface to help people navigate the tool more easily. This move follows reports that the current layout can make it difficult for some people to keep track of their various projects.

The current desktop app is divided into several sections, including ChatGPT and Codex, which contain multiple tabs. This structure can sometimes create friction for users who are trying to find specific pieces of work or switch between different tasks. By combining these areas, OpenAI hopes to create a more fluid environment for its audience.

The company first disclosed these plans through emails sent directly to its users. According to a report by indianexpress.com, the update will not be available to everyone at once. It will initially roll out to a select group of people so the company can gather feedback before a wider release.

Unified tools and token pools

One of the most significant technical changes involves how the platform handles its usage limits. OpenAI stated that merging these sections will allow users to consume tokens from the same allowance pool. Tokens are the units of measurement used to process and generate information within the AI system.

This means that instead of having separate limits for different types of tasks, users will draw from a single bucket of resources. While this simplifies the backend logic, it may change how quickly a user reaches their limit. Some people might find that their resets happen more frequently depending on which models they use and how much they interact with the tool.

OpenAI has clarified that the transition will not disrupt any work that is currently in progress. The goal is to provide a smoother transition for those who want to move from exploring a new idea to having the AI carry that idea through to completion. Users will still be able to bring in their files and plugins to perform complex tasks like building a website or creating a presentation.

Comparing the industry landscape

This move by OpenAI appears to be part of a broader trend in the artificial intelligence industry toward simplified interfaces. Rival company Anthropic made a very similar change in September of this year. They merged the chat and Cowork functions of their Claude model into a single screen to improve the user experience.

By following this pattern, OpenAI is signaling a shift toward integrated workspaces. The goal is to reduce the number of clicks or tabs a user needs to navigate to get a specific job done. This is particularly useful for people who use the AI for professional work where moving between different modes of interaction is common.

Despite these changes, some parts of the platform will remain distinct. OpenAI confirmed that Codex will stay as a separate experience within the desktop app. This suggests that while general chat and work tasks are being unified, specialized developer tools or specific models may still maintain their own dedicated spaces.

What to expect for users

For the average user, the most immediate change will be a cleaner sidebar and a more cohesive workspace. Instead of hunting through different tabs to find a specific project, the merged view is intended to keep everything in one place. This is designed to help users guide the AI's work while reviewing the output in real time.

Users who rely heavily on the platform for complex web tasks or document creation will see the most impact. They will be able to use their plugins and uploaded files more seamlessly across the unified space. The ability to move from a simple prompt to a multi-step project without switching tabs is the primary objective of this redesign.

Because the update is rolling out in phases, not every user will see the change immediately. Those who do see it first will help shape how the final version looks and feels. The company is prioritizing a smooth transition that doesn't break existing workflows while still providing the benefits of a more organized layout.

The path forward for navigation

The upcoming merger highlights a growing demand for