OpenAI to Discontinue ChatGPT Classic App in January 2027
The company plans to consolidate its desktop applications into a single, unified interface.
Interface Changes
OpenAI has officially confirmed that the ChatGPT Classic desktop application will soon be retired. The company has notified users that support for the application will end completely on 30 January 2027. This decision is part of a broader strategy to consolidate all services into a single, modern interface.
Recently, OpenAI introduced a new desktop application that brought ChatGPT, Work, and Codex under one roof. This move initially drew mixed reactions, as many users found the new interface confusing and preferred the simplicity of ChatGPT Classic. However, OpenAI has since refined the application, introducing features such as adjustable reasoning effort, which were not available in the previous version.
Merging Work and Chat
OpenAI President Greg Brockman previously acknowledged that the existing interface had become somewhat cluttered. The company is now working to phase out the dedicated Work tab, integrating its functionality directly into the main ChatGPT interface. A small group of users will begin testing this unified experience in the coming weeks.
This update will allow users to manage everything from a single interface—ranging from brainstorming ideas to uploading files and utilising web tools for specific tasks. While Codex will remain a separate experience, OpenAI is consolidating usage limits. This means quotas for ChatGPT and Codex will be combined, though the company states that most users will not be significantly impacted by this change.
What This Means for Users
Following the discontinuation of ChatGPT Classic, users will be required to transition to the new application. Fortunately, all chat history will be automatically migrated, ensuring no important conversations are lost. If you are still using the older version, it is recommended that you download the new application from the official OpenAI website to avoid any service interruptions.
This step underscores OpenAI's commitment to creating a streamlined and efficient environment where various artificial intelligence capabilities are unified on one screen. For users who rely on ChatGPT for their daily workflows, this transition promises improved optimisation and a more flexible interface.