OpenAI is enhancing the functionality and accessibility of its Codex coding assistant by introducing internet access capabilities and making it available to ChatGPT Plus subscribers.
Key Highlights:
- Codex is now accessible to ChatGPT Plus users
- Internet access during execution (with security safeguards in place)
- Ability to update existing pull requests instead of creating new ones
- New voice command feature for task input
The most significant change is the ability to connect to the internet during task execution. Plus, Pro, and Team plan users can now opt to allow Codex to access the web while processing code. This enables the assistant to automatically install necessary dependencies, run code checks, and execute tests without manual setup, or handle scripts that require access to pre-production servers.
This internet access feature has been highly anticipated since Codex's launch, but OpenAI is rolling it out cautiously. Internet access is disabled by default, with granular control options available – you can restrict the domains and HTTP methods Codex can access. The company is also actively monitoring for prompt injection attacks to prevent malicious actors from hijacking the assistant's web requests.
The expanded access to ChatGPT Plus users marks a significant development. Previously, using Codex required an Enterprise, Team, or Professional subscription, which was a barrier for individual developers and small teams. Now, any ChatGPT Plus subscriber paying $20 per month can launch a coding environment and delegate programming tasks to AI.
OpenAI has also introduced a voice input feature, allowing users to verbally describe tasks instead of typing them. While a minor enhancement, this could make the tool feel more natural to use, especially for developers who prefer solving problems through conversation.
The update regarding pull requests is subtle but important for workflow efficiency. Codex can now modify existing pull requests rather than creating new ones for each task iteration. This should reduce repository clutter and streamline the code review process.
Several under-the-hood improvements have also been implemented: increased diff limits, faster setup scripts, improved iOS behavior, and a more robust GitHub connection process. For teams using SSO or social logins, two-factor authentication is no longer mandatory.
These updates come at a time when competition in the AI coding tools space is intensifying. While GitHub Copilot dominates in code completion, tools like Cursor and Windsurf are pushing toward complete development environments. Although Codex isn't yet a fully autonomous agent, with these enhancements, it's becoming more than just a coding assistant – it's evolving into an indispensable tool in real-world development workflows.
