OpenAI is testing web browsing features for the Codex super app

OpenAI is preparing new features that will move Codex beyond being a simple coding agent. Hidden references currently in the Codex client contain an onboarding flow where users choose between default settings and pro developer settings, revealing an intent to target two different types of users on a single surface at once.

The newly spotted features include a dedicated section for managing pull requests, a frontend UI preview panel that lets users check their work in real time, and inline comments that let users leave change instructions directly on the preview screen. Combined with the previously discovered Scratchpad, this brings Codex closer to a development environment that handles everything from planning to implementation, review, and deployment in one place.

In particular, Scratchpad is presented as a to-do list format that can launch multiple Codex tasks in parallel, pushing Codex to the center of a broader workflow. According to the report, this also aligns with OpenAI's long-term strategy of merging ChatGPT and the Atlas browser into a single desktop super app.

OpenAI is under pressure as Anthropic rapidly builds up its presence with Claude Code and Cowork, and Fidji Simo has reportedly told employees that they can't afford to be distracted by side projects. This update is a move to grow Codex beyond a coding tool into a foundation that covers general conversation and browsing as well, with deployment expected this week.