OpenAI is stepping deeper into the future of artificial intelligence with the launch of ChatGPT Agent, a powerful tool designed to do more than just answer questions. This new feature, available to ChatGPT Pro, Plus, and Team users, can perform complex, multi-step tasks on your behalf using a virtual computer.
What Is ChatGPT Agent?
Unlike traditional chatbots, ChatGPT Agent is a full-fledged AI assistant—or “agent”—that can take action for you. Whether it’s checking your calendar, planning a date night, ordering ingredients for breakfast, or creating business reports, this agent is designed to automate real-world tasks using advanced tools.
At its core, ChatGPT Agent uses a new model developed specifically for this feature. The model integrates capabilities from OpenAI’s Operator and Deep Research tools and is trained using reinforcement learning to handle complex, multi-tool workflows. It can operate using a text browser, visual browser, and terminal essentially running on a virtual machine.
What Can ChatGPT Agent Do?
In early demos shown to The Verge, ChatGPT Agent was able to:
- Analyze a calendar and prepare briefings for upcoming meetings
- Coordinate a full date night by syncing with Google Calendar and OpenTable
- Generate research reports and slide decks based on external data
- Plan recurring tasks like requesting parking or ordering supplies
- Assist with online shopping more effectively than previous tools
You can even modify requests mid-process—like changing a restaurant preference—and the agent will adapt accordingly.
How Does It Work?
Users can activate ChatGPT Agent by selecting “agent mode” in the tools menu or typing /agent. Once activated, it works in the background and executes tasks with minimal user intervention.
Before making any irreversible changes, like booking a table or sending an email, ChatGPT Agent will always ask for your permission—ensuring safety and control.
Advanced Safeguards in Place
Due to the increased capabilities of this model, OpenAI has implemented strict safety protocols, including:
- Watch Mode: Prevents the AI from acting on financial sites unless the user remains on the page
- Activation of safeguards for “high biological and chemical capabilities,” similar to Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4
- Restrictions on performing financial transactions—for now
These measures are in place to reduce the risk of misuse and to ensure responsible AI deployment.
Performance & Latency
While ChatGPT Agent may take several minutes to complete certain tasks, OpenAI stresses that it’s optimized for hard, time-consuming jobs not for quick chat responses. The agent is designed for efficiency over time, not speed in the moment.
“You can kick something off in the background and come back to it,” said Isa Fulford, the product’s research lead.
Rollout Timeline and Availability
OpenAI is rolling out ChatGPT Agent today to:
- Pro, Plus, and Team users
- Enterprise and Education users later this summer
However, there is currently no release date set for the European Economic Area and Switzerland.
Why AI Agents Are the Next Big Thing
The concept of AI agents—assistants that can plan, execute, and manage tasks has become one of the most hyped trends in tech. Companies like Google, Anthropic, Meta, and Klarna are all racing to build their own versions.
For instance, Klarna’s AI agent reportedly handled two-thirds of all customer support chats—equal to the work of 700 human agents—in just one month.
With ChatGPT Agent, OpenAI is staking its claim in this emerging landscape and bringing the future of productivity one step closer.
ChatGPT Agent isn’t just another upgrade—it’s a major step forward in the evolution of AI from assistant to autonomous task manager. As AI agents become smarter and safer, tools like this could redefine how we approach work, planning, and even daily life.