OpenAI Rolls Out GPT-5.6 Publicly After Government Greenlight, Unveils 'ChatGPT Work'

OpenAI has officially ended the limited preview period for its highly anticipated GPT-5.6 model, announcing its public rollout after receiving the greenlight from the Trump administration. This move comes approximately two weeks after the model was initially restricted to government-approved organizations. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, lauded the new iteration, stating it is 'the best model we have ever produced,' marking a significant milestone for the company and the broader AI landscape. To coincide with this major release, OpenAI also unveiled a new AI agent called ChatGPT Work. This innovative product is designed to merge the conversational prowess of ChatGPT with the powerful capabilities of Codex, making advanced functionalities accessible to everyday non-technical users. Powered by the GPT-5.6 model suite – specifically Sol, Terra, and Luna – ChatGPT Work aims to streamline a wide array of professional tasks, moving beyond traditional coding applications. ChatGPT Work is engineered to gather context seamlessly from various applications, files, and workflows selected by the user. This allows it to create finished materials such as comprehensive documents, detailed spreadsheets, engaging presentations, and even functional web applications. Furthermore, OpenAI has integrated a 'unified plugins directory,' enabling ChatGPT Work to connect effortlessly with popular tools like Slack, Gmail, Google Drive, calendars, and CRM systems, thereby enhancing its utility and integration into existing professional environments. Availability for these new offerings is being rolled out progressively. Mac and Windows users globally, including those utilizing the free version of ChatGPT, can now access both ChatGPT Work and GPT-5.6 immediately via the ChatGPT desktop application. For mobile and web users, access will first be granted to Pro, Enterprise, and Edu subscribers, with Plus and Business users receiving access gradually over the next few days. OpenAI confirms that the global rollout has commenced and will continue towards full availability within the next 24 hours. This launch places OpenAI squarely in the competitive arena of AI agents, where companies like Anthropic, Google, and even Apple are striving to develop truly useful AI companions for the average person, especially following the viral success of open-source agents like OpenClaw. OpenAI is banking on ChatGPT Work, a direct competitor to Anthropic’s Claude Cowork, to push it ahead in this intense race for market leadership and user adoption. Central to the GPT-5.6 suite's capabilities is Sol, described as the most powerful model within the trio. OpenAI expects Sol to establish 'a new standard for intelligence and efficiency,' particularly in critical areas such as coding, cybersecurity, science, and general computer usage. Additionally, the company is strategically positioning GPT-5.6 as a more cost-effective alternative to the most powerful models offered by competitors, addressing growing industry complaints about the high operational costs of AI labs being passed down to customers.