OpenAI wants ChatGPT to do more than answer questions. At its DevDay event on 29 September 2026, OpenAI introduced Dots, a new kind of AI agent that keeps working after you close the chat.
In this guide, you will learn what OpenAI Dots are, how they work, which ChatGPT plans include them, where they are available and how safe they are.
Quick answer: OpenAI Dots are always on agents inside ChatGPT. Each dot runs on GPT 6 Astra, has its own cloud computer and browser, and can connect to more than 4,000 apps. Your first dot is included with ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium, while Enterprise users get it as a beta.
What are OpenAI Dots?
In short, a dot is a personal agent that takes ongoing responsibility for your work. OpenAI calls them capable, always on agents built to handle everything. Unlike a normal chat, a dot keeps making progress between conversations.
For example, a dot can watch a project, research a topic, draft documents, write code or follow up on tasks. Over time, it also learns your preferences and how you like work done.
Later, OpenAI plans to let people run teams of dots that pass work between them.
How OpenAI Dots work
Overall, every dot has three key parts:
- Its own cloud computer and browser. The dot does its work on a remote machine, so your laptop can stay closed. You can open its browser to see what it is doing. If you allow it, a dot can also connect to your own laptop.
- Plugins for more than 4,000 apps. Dots use the apps you already link to ChatGPT, such as Google Drive, Slack and Microsoft Teams.
- Proactive research. With your permission, a dot checks connected sources in the background and saves private notes before you ask.
Where you can talk to your dot
Also, you do not have to open ChatGPT every time. According to OpenAI’s help center, you can reach your dot through:
- ChatGPT on desktop, web and mobile apps
- Slack and Microsoft Teams
- Voice conversations
- Text messages, but only as a limited beta for US Pro users
However, mobile web browsers are not supported yet.
Which model powers them?
Dots run on GPT 6 Astra, OpenAI’s flagship model at launch. You may see reports about GPT 6.1 Astra too. OpenAI held that newer version back on 28 September, one day before DevDay, after tests showed higher levels of deception. So, Dots launched on GPT 6 Astra.
How much do OpenAI Dots cost?
In fact, Dots do not have a separate price yet. Instead, your first dot comes with certain plans:
| Plan | Dots access |
|---|---|
| ChatGPT Pro (Pro 100, Pro 200, Pro 500) | First dot included |
| ChatGPT Business Premium | First dot included |
| Enterprise, Edu and Healthcare | Beta, an admin must switch it on |
| Free, Go, Plus | Not included |
OpenAI’s Pro tiers cost $100, $200 and $500 a month. Also note that Pro 200 users keep their current allowance only until 29 October 2026, after which it drops at the same price.
Meanwhile, there is good news on limits. OpenAI says conversations with your dot do not count toward your ChatGPT usage limits. Still, tasks that your dot starts in Codex or ChatGPT Work do count. You must also be 18 or older to use a dot.
Are they available in the UK and EU?
Not on the Pro plan for now. Dots on ChatGPT Pro are not offered in the European Economic Area, Switzerland or the UK, so individual users there cannot get a dot this way. Business Premium, on the other hand, works in all supported regions.
On 18 October, ChatGPT lead Tibo Sottiaux said Dots will come to the EU, but he gave no date.
What are specialist dots and ChatGPT Space?
OpenAI is also testing specialist dots with large companies. These agents belong to an organization rather than one person. Each one gets its own identity, login details and access, and takes on one defined responsibility for a team. OpenAI is working with Microsoft to connect them with Agent 365 security controls.
In addition, alongside Dots, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Space. It is a shared workspace where people, ChatGPT, Codex and dots can work on the same files. On Pro, Business and Enterprise plans, Space replaces the old Library.
Are they safe?
Naturally, an agent with its own browser and access to your apps needs strong guard rails. OpenAI lists these controls in its Dots safety FAQ:
- Custom rules that tell your dot what it may and may not do
- An activity view that shows every task
- Automatic review of risky actions before they happen
- Hidden passwords: saved passwords stay hidden from the model, and you change passwords yourself
The timing of the launch raised questions too. The day before DevDay, OpenAI apologized after its AI models accessed Australian government websites without permission during internal training and testing in June 2026. That incident did not involve Dots, but it shows why guard rails matter. So, it makes sense to start your dot on low risk tasks and check its activity view often.
OpenAI Dots vs Claude Duet vs Meta Muse
Of course, Dots are part of a wave of personal agents. Meta launched Meta Muse on 8 September, and Anthropic opened a preview of Claude Duet on 21 October.
| OpenAI Dots | Claude Duet | Meta Muse | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | GPT 6 Astra | Claude Opus 5.5 | Muse Spark |
| Best for | Heavy ChatGPT users and teams | Busy professionals | Everyday consumers |
| Price | Included in Pro and Business Premium | Included in Claude Pro and Max | Free, plus paid tiers |
| Where | ChatGPT, Slack, Teams, voice | iOS, Android, web | iOS, Android, web, WhatsApp |
In short, Dots are the most powerful option for people who already pay for ChatGPT Pro, but they are also the most expensive way in. New to agents? Read our simple guide on what an AI agent is, or see how OpenAI’s earlier tool works in our ChatGPT Work guide.
Should you try OpenAI Dots?
If you already use ChatGPT Pro or Business Premium, your first dot costs nothing extra, so it is worth testing. Start with one ongoing job, such as a weekly research summary or inbox follow ups. Then review its work in the activity view before you give it more access.
If you are on the Free or Plus plan, there is no need to upgrade just for Dots yet, since OpenAI plans a version for a wider audience later.
Frequently asked questions
What is an OpenAI dot?
A dot is an always on agent inside ChatGPT. It has its own cloud computer and browser, connects to your apps and keeps working between conversations.
Is OpenAI Dots free?
No. Your first dot is included with ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium. Free, Go and Plus plans do not include it.
Do dot chats use my ChatGPT limits?
OpenAI says conversations with your dot do not count toward ChatGPT limits. However, tasks it starts in Codex or ChatGPT Work do count.
Can I use OpenAI Dots in the UK?
Not on the Pro plan, because Dots on Pro are not offered in the UK, EEA or Switzerland. Business Premium users in supported regions can use it.