OpenAI has launched the Codex application for macOS, a special desktop program aimed at assisting developers in managing and working together with several AI coding agents simultaneously. According to the company's announcement, this new application offers programmers a macOS-native interface, allowing teams of artificial intelligence agents to handle tasks at the same time, arrange workflows by thread, and engage directly with code repositories. In December, OpenAI enhanced Codex by adding Skills, enabling users to access additional functionalities through specific prompt formats. The company shared details about this new coding platform with an agentic atmosphere in a blog post. The Codex app acts as a central location for agent-focused coding tasks that can run concurrently. Typically, AI coding tools can only handle one task at a time or require switching between different windows like browsers and text editors. The new app aims to enable several AI agents to work on various tasks simultaneously within a single environment, which OpenAI indicates could accelerate development processes and minimize manual coordination.
Codex is a cloud-based software coding agent that OpenAI initially introduced in April 2025. It utilizes large language models fine-tuned for coding to convert natural language prompts into code, suggest pull requests, resolve bugs, generate tests, and assist with exploratory tasks in diverse repositories. The Codex model supports tools like GitHub Copilot and the Codex CLI, and is capable of handling tasks across various programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, Go, and others. The Codex app features built-in thread support, where each coding agent operates in its own stream linked to specific project tasks. Developers can open numerous threads for functions like creating new modules, debugging, or making code review suggestions, while also being able to monitor each agent’s results without overlapping contexts. This organization maintains clarity in changes, lowering the chance of conflicts when multiple tasks are conducted in the same repository. Moreover, the app allows for diff review and iteration within threads. Developers can evaluate changes, provide feedback, and refine code right where the work was initiated, staying within the context of the agent's output. Skills, described as reusable workflows that integrate instructions, scripts, and resources, enable teams to develop standard tasks that can be consistently repeated by agents across projects.
OpenAI mentioned that the Codex app is accessible for macOS, with support for Apple Silicon, and can be downloaded and set up directly on compatible devices. Users can log in with their ChatGPT account or an OpenAI API key to access project threads and agent workflows. The company is also planning to release the app for other platforms like Windows and Linux in the upcoming months.
