ChatGPT is preparing to give users one fewer tab to think about.
OpenAI plans to merge ChatGPT’s Chat and Work tabs into a single experience, bringing everyday conversations and more complex tasks into the same place. The company outlined the change in an email to users, according to TechCrunch, with a limited test planned before a wider rollout.
Currently, OpenAI describes Chat as the place for everyday questions and conversational help, while Work handles longer tasks, including research, analyzing information, and creating documents, presentations, and websites. The desktop app also includes a separate Codex experience for coding, which will remain separate after the merger.
“This will enable you to move from exploring an idea to having ChatGPT carry it through, all in one place,” OpenAI reportedly said in the email. Users will be able to bring in files and plugins while reviewing and guiding its work.
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The interface change also comes with an update that paid subscribers may want to keep an eye on.
Starting in December, Plus, Pro, and Business plans will have a shared usage allowance across ChatGPT and Codex, according to OpenAI’s updated support page. Usage will be measured in tokens, the units of information AI models process and generate. More demanding tasks and advanced models will generally consume more of that allowance.
There is an exception, though. OpenAI says Instant chat won’t draw from the shared allowance. The company expects most users won’t have to wait for their limits to reset more often than they currently do. Subscribers will be able to check their combined remaining usage and reset times in Settings under Usage. Once they reach a limit, the listed options include waiting for a reset, upgrading, or buying credits for eligible features.
The rollout will test whether bringing those tools into the main chat increases their use. If asking a quick question turns into handing off an entire project, subscribers may find themselves paying closer attention to what their plan covers.
Disclosure: Mashable’s parent company, Ziff Davis, sued OpenAI in April 2025, alleging copyright infringement related to the training and operation of its AI systems.
