OpenAI merges ChatGPT Chat and Work tabs into one workspace with a shared usage budget

OpenAI announced on November 2nd, 2026 that it will be merging the Chat and Work tabs in the ChatGPT desktop app into a single workspace, as reported by TechCrunch. This change unifies the experience of asking ChatGPT questions and having it perform tasks, combining them into one seamless process.

The new workspace allows users to bring files, plugins, and build a website, create a presentation, or act on the web, all within the same interface. For now, the Codex view remains separate within the app, with most users experiencing the change gradually during a pilot phase rollout.

Starting December, Plus, Pro, and Business plans will share a single token allowance for both ChatGPT and Codex usage, instead of having separate budgets. This change also applies to the Work and Codex views, with remaining balances and reset times consolidated under the Settings, Usage page.

OpenAI acknowledges that advanced models and complex tasks will consume the shared allowance faster, potentially requiring users to wait for resets more frequently. They recommend using Instant models for lighter conversations, which won't be counted against the shared allowance.

Business customers will notice a difference in tracking capacity, as the unified allowance replaces two separate meters. OpenAI has also doubled the Work and Codex allowances for Pro 100, Pro 200, and Pro 500 tiers, effective October 29th, before implementing the unified budget.

This move follows a similar trend set by Anthropic, which merged Claude chat and Cowork into one screen in September. Both companies are moving towards a unified assistant experience, where conversation and hands-on work share one context, toolset, and budget.