Codex’s Epic Update: 6 Critical Notes to Navigate the New Changes

OpenAI’s Codex recently rolled out a game-changing update that integrates it into the ChatGPT desktop app and introduces new model options. To help users adapt smoothly, here are six essential takeaways:

1. Codex Isn’t Gone—It’s Integrated into ChatGPT Desktop
After GPT-5.6’s release, many users thought Codex vanished. In reality, it’s now a dedicated mode within the ChatGPT desktop app, eliminating the need to switch between apps for chatting and coding. All existing projects, settings, and workflows are preserved—just update the app to access the new features.

2. Local Agent Capabilities: Hybrid Cloud-Local Setup
Codex still acts as a local agent (with user permission) to read files, modify code, and execute tasks in your local dev environment. However, it’s not fully offline: the AI model runs in the cloud for reasoning, while task execution happens on your machine.

3. Data Sync: Web vs. Desktop Limits
General chat records sync across web and desktop (same account, including Memory). But Codex’s local projects and file operations don’t sync to the web, and desktop Codex tasks won’t appear in web chat history. The old "Classic" ChatGPT has stopped updates—migrate important data before deleting it.

4. Three Modes for Targeted Tasks
The updated desktop app offers three modes: Chat (general queries/idea discussions), Work (office tasks like PPTs/docs), and Codex (coding, terminal operations, project file management).

5. GPT-5.6 Model Selection: Match Task Complexity
Codex now supports three models: Sol (flagship, complex reasoning/refactoring—costliest), Terra (balanced, half-price of previous versions for daily dev), and Luna (lightweight, fast/cheap for simple tasks like summarization).

6. Usage Credit Rules
Codex and Work modes share agent credits (higher cost for complex tasks). General Chat follows standard model limits.

For deeper learning, Sanjieke’s "OpenAI Codex Zero-Basis Practical Course" includes a 306-page manual covering basics, setup, advanced features, and workflows—with video tutorials for beginners. The course and manual are free via QR code scan.

Sources

• Sohu Article: Link to Original Report
• Sanjieke’s OpenAI Codex Zero-Basis Practical Course (includes 306-page usage manual)