OpenAI unveils a dedicated Codex desktop app for macOS, and anyone can try it for free

OpenAI has launched a new Codex desktop application dedicated for macOS users, introducing multi-agent support to enhance how developers use artificial intelligence in software projects. The app enables users to manage several AI coding agents, each running in a separate thread and organized by project, supporting seamless task switching.

Within the application, developers can review and comment on agent-generated code changes in project threads or open the diff directly in their own editor for manual edits. By integrating worktree support, the app allows multiple agents to operate on the same repository without file conflicts, as each agent works on an isolated copy of the codebase. While agents make changes, users can locally check out results or let the agent continue without altering the main git history.

Following these workflow improvements, Codex makes it simple to import session histories and configurations from the Codex command-line interface and IDE extensions. With the new skills system, agents can assist in research, information synthesis, writing, and other tasks alongside code generation. Automations may be set up to run specified tasks on a user-defined schedule, combining instructions and skills for background work.

In terms of security, the app employs configurable open-source system-level sandboxing that restricts agents' file access and requires explicit permission for commands needing network access. Codex is available for macOS today to all ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Edu subscribers, with temporary access granted to Free and Go users. During this period, OpenAI is also doubling rate limits for all paid Codex users.