OpenAI has introduced a new artificial intelligence agent designed to help professionals use advanced coding capabilities without requiring programming skills or paying the high costs usually linked to developer tools. The new tool, called ChatGPT Work, combines OpenAI’s popular chatbot with its AI coding assistant, Codex, allowing users to create documents, presentations, websites, and other digital projects through natural language instructions. The service is powered by the company’s latest AI model, GPT-5.6, which was launched alongside the new agent.

The launch follows a delay in the release of GPT-5.6 after concerns were reportedly raised by the U.S. government over possible national security issues. With ChatGPT Work, OpenAI is taking direct aim at Anthropic’s AI productivity offering, Claude Cowork, which was launched earlier this year. Anthropic’s tool is designed to independently handle multi-step tasks, and the growing competition between the two companies reflects a wider battle to dominate the rapidly expanding market for workplace AI solutions.

Both OpenAI and Anthropic are focusing heavily on enterprise customers, where demand for AI-powered automation is increasing. Businesses are showing greater interest in AI agents that can complete complex assignments with limited human involvement, helping employees save time and improve productivity.

ChatGPT Work is aimed particularly at non-coders who want access to the capabilities of AI programming tools without needing technical expertise. AI coding systems are often more powerful than traditional chatbots because they can build applications, automate workflows, and solve technical problems, but they have traditionally been difficult for regular users to operate. OpenAI said its new offering is designed to be more affordable and accessible compared with competing products. The company has released three versions of its GPT-5.6 model to provide different levels of performance and pricing options.

Ty Geri, product manager for ChatGPT Work, said the latest model can deliver performance comparable to much more expensive AI systems while operating faster and at a lower cost. He highlighted that the technology can help users apply coding-based AI capabilities across different industries, even if they do not have a software development background.

The introduction of ChatGPT Work also comes as companies continue to evaluate the financial impact of adopting advanced AI tools. While AI agents can significantly improve workplace efficiency, the expense of using powerful models has been a concern for many organizations. Industry analysts believe the latest generation of smaller AI models could help address this challenge. Max Weinbach from consulting firm Creative Strategies noted that smaller versions of OpenAI’s new model can complete many tasks at a similar level to larger models while costing significantly less, making advanced AI more accessible to a wider range of users.

Before launching ChatGPT Work, OpenAI had already developed several AI agent products, including Operator and Deep Research for individual users, along with Workspace Agents designed for enterprise automation. The company has now expanded its AI agent portfolio with a tool focused on everyday professional work.

ChatGPT Work began rolling out on web and mobile platforms for Pro, Enterprise, and Edu users, with availability expected to expand to Plus and Business customers soon. OpenAI also announced a new desktop application and a website creation feature that allows users to build and share websites directly through the platform.

The launch marks another major step in the growing competition among AI companies to create smarter digital assistants capable of handling increasingly complex workplace tasks. As businesses continue adopting artificial intelligence, tools like ChatGPT Work and Claude Cowork could play a key role in shaping the future of professional productivity.