OpenAI Plans a Desktop ‘Superapp’

The company is developing a combined application by merging ChatGPT, Codex, and the Atlas browser into a single app. OpenAI is creating a desktop “superapp” to merge its ChatGPT app, the Codex AI coding app, and its AI-powered Atlas browser into one application, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. This change is part of an effort to unify the company’s various product lines due to fragmentation, which CEO of Applications Fidji Simo noted has slowed them down and hindered quality standards. OpenAI gained attention with announcements like the Sora video app and acquiring Jony Ive’s AI hardware company. However, recently, it has been facing competition from Anthropic, particularly after Claude Code’s rise in popularity. On Monday, WSJ reported that leaders at OpenAI are considering areas to deprioritize, with Simo urging employees to avoid “side quests.” Simo mentioned on X, responding to WSJ’s Berber Jin’s article, that while exploration and refocus are necessary, it’s crucial to capitalize on successful endeavors like Codex. OpenAI spokesperson Lindsey Held chose not to comment. The mobile ChatGPT version will remain unchanged, according to the WSJ.