OpenAI revamps ChatGPT as personal AI assistant and adds universal lock‑mode security

OpenAI is redesigning ChatGPT from a question‑answer chatbot into a multifunctional "super‑app" that acts as a personal AI assistant. The new version will combine programming tools such as Codex with integrated partner services (e.g., Canva, Booking.com) and enable agents that can handle tasks like travel booking and calendar management. The shift is aimed at corporate clients, which already generate about 40% of OpenAI’s revenue; the company wants that share to reach 50% by year‑end. To prioritize this strategy, OpenAI has retired some consumer‑focused features, including the in‑chat purchase completion tool and the short‑lived Sora video‑generation product, and reorganized product teams under a single leader.

In parallel, OpenAI is expanding its "Lock Mode" security feature to all personal ChatGPT accounts, including free, Plus, Pro and Business tiers. When enabled, Lock Mode disables internet browsing, real‑time web access, external code execution, image fetching and other functions that could be exploited for malicious instruction injection. Users can activate the mode in Settings → Security, and the rollout will be gradual. The company also introduced an "active sessions" view, allowing users to see and remotely terminate sessions across devices.