Anthropic launches Claude Design to help teams build polished visuals and prototypes faster
April 17, 2026
OpenAI released a major update to Codex that turns the agent into a broader tool for real work. More than three million developers rely on it weekly and this version handles tasks across the full software development cycle.
Direct computer control and creative tools
Codex now operates your Mac in the background by seeing the screen clicking and typing with its own cursor. Multiple agents run at the same time without getting in your way. The app adds an in app browser so you comment directly on pages to guide precise actions. Codex also creates and iterates on images with gpt image 1.5 for designs mockups and games. Engadget covers how the release sets up OpenAI future super app plans in their analysis of the Codex super app groundwork.
Plugins memory and workflow support 💻
Over 90 new plugins connect Codex to everyday tools including JIRA CircleCI and Microsoft Suite. It reviews GitHub comments manages multiple terminals and links to remote devboxes through SSH. A memory preview stores preferences and past corrections while proactive suggestions pull context from projects and plugins to list next steps. 9to5Mac outlines the three main expansions beyond coding in their report on the Codex Mac app features.
Users reuse conversation threads and schedule work that wakes up automatically over days or weeks. Teams building with similar agents can try Continue the open source AI code assistant or OpenCode the terminal based AI coding agent.
Availability and industry context 📈
The features start today for Codex desktop app users signed in with ChatGPT with memory and personalization coming soon to enterprise and education accounts. MacStories breaks down the productivity updates and super app direction in their coverage of the Codex release. For more options see the full list of best AI tools for developers at BestAITools.
This step keeps Codex focused on practical gains that help builders move faster.
