OpenAI · 2026-04-16 · major
OpenAI Codex v26.415 — Computer Use, In-App Browser, and Image Generation
Codex v26.415 adds background computer use on Mac (parallel agents with their own cursor), Atlas in-app browser, gpt-image-1.5 image gen, 111 new plugins, and memory — all for paid ChatGPT plans.
Codex can now see your screen, click around Mac apps, and generate images — expanding well beyond coding assistance.
Key specs
| Weekly active users | 3M |
|---|---|
| Growth (3 months) | 5x |
| Month over month growth | 70% |
| New plugins | 111 |
What is it?
Codex v26.415, released April 16, 2026, adds background computer use to the macOS desktop app: the agent gets its own cursor and can click, type, and operate any Mac application while you work. Multiple agents run in parallel without interfering with each other or with you. Also new: an in-app browser powered by OpenAI's Atlas technology, gpt-image-1.5 image generation, 111 additional plugins (MCP servers and app integrations), and a memory system that retains preferences across sessions.
How does it work?
Computer use gives each Codex agent its own cursor operating via macOS accessibility APIs, with multiple agents running simultaneously in isolated background contexts. The Atlas-based browser renders local or public web pages inside Codex so you can annotate them directly to give the agent page-level instructions. Thread automations let Codex schedule its own wake-ups to continue long-running tasks across days without user prompting. Intel Mac support ships today alongside Apple Silicon.
Why does it matter?
Adding computer use puts Codex in direct competition with Anthropic's Claude Cowork — the ability to control desktop apps and browsers means Codex can test UI changes visually, interact with apps that lack APIs, and complete full software development loops without switching tools. The 3M weekly active user figure (5x growth in 3 months, 70% month-over-month) shows the fastest-growing segment of the coding agent market.
Who is it for?
Developers building full-stack apps who want an agent that can see, interact with, and iterate on their running software.
Try it
chatgpt.com/codex (paid ChatGPT plans)