What are Dots, OpenAI’s new AI agent?

On Tuesday, September 29, 2025, OpenAI introduced Dots, a new agentic AI capability designed to assist users with a wide range of tasks. Dots represent a significant development in the company's efforts to enhance AI agents and provide robust developer tools. These always-on agents can manage complex tasks by accessing users' files, apps, and context, and can be assigned responsibilities for projects such as monitoring bugs, drafting code, or managing calendars.

Unlike conventional virtual assistants, Dots are designed to comprehend intricate workflows and operate autonomously, akin to a "chief of staff" or a "high-level engineer". They can learn and adapt to users' work patterns over time, accessing files and communicating with platforms like Slack, Teams, calendars, and development environments to proactively manage workflows.

Dots can handle multi-step tasks, such as tracking bug reports, drafting code fixes, or managing project timelines, without requiring constant supervision. They operate across thousands of apps through existing connectors and possess their own cloud-based computers and browsers, allowing them to execute tasks, develop apps, and test workflows independently.

Users can interact with Dots using voice, text, or phone calls, and they are available 24/7. During the DevDay 2026 keynote, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman showcased examples of Dots in various organizational scenarios, such as application migration, product launches, and administrative delegation. For instance, Dots can trace dependencies within a codebase to migrate an application from a legacy API, write the necessary code, run tests, and submit a pull request for review.

Additionally, Dots can update calendars, analyze user feedback from testing, and implement last-minute design changes directly into the app using Codex, OpenAI's coding tool. The AI bot can also assist with rescheduling meetings to align with personal priorities and managing complex vendor communications. Altman emphasized that these intelligent bots function within predefined safety boundaries, allowing users to control the level of responsibility.

Powered by Astra, OpenAI's most advanced AI model, Dots are integrated into existing ChatGPT subscription plans at no additional cost for ChatGPT Pro, Business Premium, and Enterprise users. The conversations with Dots do not count toward standard ChatGPT usage limits. OpenAI also unveiled GPT-6.1 Sol, a model offering near-Astra intelligence at a lower price point, optimized as a daily workhorse, and UltraFast, a model providing a speed boost for faster execution across API, ChatGPT, and Codex.

Codex, now fully cloud-based, enables seamless transitions between devices. Lastly, the company introduced Spaces, a collaborative platform for teams, enabling users and their Dots to work together on documents, research, and data visualization, supporting dynamic content like interactive charts and live prototypes.