OpenAI has announced that its ChatGPT desktop app for macOS can now read code from various developer-focused applications, including Visual Studio Code, Xcode, TextEdit, Terminal, and iTerm2. This new feature, named “Work with Apps,” eliminates the need for developers to copy and paste code into ChatGPT, as the app will automatically send the relevant code section alongside user prompts. Currently, ChatGPT cannot write code directly into other applications, unlike some popular AI coding tools. OpenAI is initially focusing on coding applications, but plans to expand to text-based apps for writing tasks in the future. The feature is available to Plus and Teams users and will roll out to Enterprise and Education users soon.
OpenAI is reportedly developing an artificial intelligence agent codenamed “Operator” that aims to automate tasks such as writing code and booking travel. According to a Bloomberg report, the AI agent could be released as a research preview for developers as early as January. This innovative technology is designed to perform tasks autonomously, optimizing human workflows by allowing users to delegate tasks to AI, creating a virtual team of assistants.
Both initiatives represent incremental steps toward OpenAI’s vision of embedding generative AI into the fabric of professional workflows—but long-term success will depend on execution, differentiation, and user trust. We’ll be tracking that the next generation of these tools appears to be “agents”.