Recently, OpenAI sent an official notice about terminating the operation of the ChatGPT Classic application on the desktop platform. According to information displayed directly in the application, this update will officially stop working on January 30, 2027. Users will automatically switch to the new ChatGPT application with full chat history preserved. At the same time, the company also launched the testing process of merging the two Chat and Work tabs into a single interface.

Interface changes and planned discontinuation of support

The ChatGPT Classic application has existed since OpenAI launched a new desktop version that integrates ChatGPT, Work and Codex into a common interface. Initially, the decision to replace the native macOS app with an Electron-based version was controversial. The new interface is considered unintuitive, making it difficult for users to distinguish between Chat, Work and Codex modes. OpenAI quickly adapted by adding a clear toggle in the upper part of the window and submenu to switch between ChatGPT and Codex.

However, the Classic version gradually became less stable as OpenAI focused on developing new features for the main application. The new models are further integrated with new application-specific functionality, such as the ability to choose different levels of inference. When users open ChatGPT Classic, they will see a banner announcing the end of support date. Clicking on the banner will lead to the download page for the latest desktop version.

Plan to merge chat and work tabs

In an email sent to users, OpenAI said it will begin testing the combined Chat and Work experience in the next few weeks. The first set of users will be able to access ChatGPT's conversational features and Work's advanced capabilities from the same interface. The goal is to allow users to go from exploring ideas to having ChatGPT execute, all in one place. Users can import files and plugins and ask ChatGPT to build websites, create presentations, or perform web tasks. During this process, users can review and guide the AI's work.

It's worth noting that Codex will continue to be a separate experience within the desktop application. Along with this change, OpenAI plans to introduce common usage limits for ChatGPT and Codex, replacing the previous separate limits. The company asserts that most users will not need to wait for their limits to reset more frequently than they do now. However, consumption will depend on model and task. Advanced models and complex tasks will use more limits. Unlimited Instant features are still included in the plan and do not count towards your overall usage limit.

Competitive landscape and user impact

OpenAI's decision to merge the Chat and Work tabs reflects the trend of interface simplification in the AI ​​industry. Previously, rival Anthropic made a similar move by merging Claude's chat and Cowork functions into a single screen in September. This shows that developers are looking for ways to reduce fragmentation in the user experience. OpenAI's admission that the new interface is initially messy and its commitment to removing the Work tab by the end of the year shows that it is adjusting its strategy based on real-world feedback.

The move to shared usage limits between ChatGPT and Codex may impact professional users who regularly run both tools. Although OpenAI promises that the majority of users will not be affected, those who use complex models or heavy tasks may experience quota exhaustion sooner. This is an important policy change that users need to monitor when switching to the new interface.

For the Vietnamese market, OpenAI's discontinuation of support for ChatGPT Classic means users need to update the latest desktop application before January 30, 2027. Simplifying the interface can make it easier for new users to access, but also poses challenges in managing general usage limits. Users should review their subscription packages and usage habits to ensure there are no interruptions when switching.

OpenAI stops supporting ChatGPT Classic, prepares to merge Chat and Work tabs

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