OpenAI has launched the ChatGPT agent, a groundbreaking unified system that combines Operator's action-taking browser, Deep Research's web synthesis, and ChatGPT's conversational prowess.
Released today, this agentic AI promises to revolutionize task automation, from meal planning to competitor analysis, with robust safety features and tiered access for users.
Release Details & Availability
The ChatGPT agent became available to Pro, Plus, and Team subscribers on July 17, 2025.
Pro users gained immediate access, while Plus and Team users will follow within days.
Enterprise and Education users are expected to access the system in the coming weeks, pending finalization for the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
The standalone Operator site will remain active temporarily before sunsetting, with Deep Research now integrated but accessible separately via the ChatGPT composer dropdown.
Pricing
The pricing model is tiered to accommodate different user needs:
Subscription Tiers
- Pro Users: 400 messages per month.
- Plus and Team Users: 40 messages per month.
- Flexible Credits: Additional usage available through credit-based options.
Specific pricing for Enterprise and Education plans remains undisclosed, but the structure aligns with OpenAI's scalable approach to accessibility.
Key Features & Capabilities
The ChatGPT agent excels in autonomous task execution, leveraging three core components: Operator's remote browser, Deep Research's synthesis, and ChatGPT's conversational intelligence.
Task Automation
The agent handles complex tasks like briefing users on meetings using recent news, planning and purchasing meal ingredients, and creating slide decks or spreadsheets for competitor analysis.
It operates on a virtual computer, seamlessly shifting between reasoning and action.
Tool Integration
(Source: OpenAI)
Tools include a visual browser for website interaction, a text-based browser for research, a terminal for code execution, and connectors for services like Gmail and GitHub.
(Source: OpenAI)
These enable tasks such as form filling, data analysis, and API integration.
Safety and User Control
Safety is prioritized with user permission required for sensitive actions like entering passwords.
Users can interrupt or take over tasks, supported by protections against prompt injection and a bug bounty program.
The agent is classified as "High" in OpenAI's Preparedness Framework for biological and chemical domains, reflecting stringent safety measures.
Editor's Comments
The ChatGPT agent marks a significant step in agentic AI, blending practical task automation with advanced safety protocols.
Its integration of Operator and Deep Research addresses real-world needs, from business analytics to everyday planning.
However, the delayed rollout for EEA and Switzerland suggests regulatory hurdles that may shape global adoption.
Compared to competitors like xAI's Grok 4, the ChatGPT agent's focus on user control and safety sets a high standard, though its performance in specialized domains like coding or niche research remains to be fully tested.
Future iterations could expand API integrations and refine autonomous decision-making, potentially reshaping industries reliant on repetitive tasks.
Community feedback on platforms like X and Reddit indicates excitement but also concerns about privacy and cost, which OpenAI must address to maintain trust.
FAQs
What is the ChatGPT agent?
It's a unified AI system combining Operator's browser, Deep Research's synthesis, and ChatGPT's conversational abilities for task automation.
Who can access the ChatGPT agent?
Pro, Plus, and Team subscribers have access now, with Enterprise and Education users to follow. EEA and Switzerland access is pending.
How much does it cost?
Pro users get 400 messages/month, Plus/Team get 40. Additional usage is credit-based, with Enterprise pricing undisclosed.
What tasks can the agent perform?
It can plan meals, analyze competitors, create slide decks, and more, using tools like browsers and API connectors.
How does OpenAI ensure safety?
User permission is required for sensitive actions, with protections against prompt injection and a bug bounty program.
How does it compare to other AI agents?
Its integration of browsing, research, and conversation surpasses many competitors, though specialized tasks need further evaluation.
When will the Operator site shut down?
The standalone Operator site will sunset in a few weeks, as its features are now part of the ChatGPT agent.
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