OpenAI released a preview version of the ChatGPT desktop application for Linux with the Codex agent included
OpenAI launched a preview of the ChatGPT desktop application for Linux with the Codex agent included. It supports Ubuntu 24.04/26.04, Debian 13 and Fedora 43/44 on both x64 and ARM64, but lacks computer use for controlling desktop applications.
OpenAI released a preview version of the ChatGPT desktop application for Linux on Tuesday. The package includes ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work and the coding agent Codex in a single installation package. The application supports Ubuntu 24.04 and 26.04 LTS, Debian 13 and Fedora 43 and 44, and is available as both .deb and .rpm packages for both x64 and ARM64 architectures. It includes a built-in browser, support for Chrome extensions and voice control.
According to a spokesperson for OpenAI, the application does not support so-called computer use at this stage, meaning direct control of desktop applications such as GIMP or OpenOffice. Appshots, Record & Replay and voice commands for desktop applications are also missing at launch.
The Mac and Windows versions were released back in July 2026, and Codex CLI and the extension for development environments already worked on Linux — the new application mainly adds a graphical interface for tracking multiple projects, files and code changes, while CLI remains the more direct option for terminal users. The application is available worldwide. With this move, OpenAI caught up with Anthropic, which, according to sources, released the Claude desktop application for Linux (supporting Ubuntu 22.04 and later and Debian 12 and later) roughly a month earlier.
Why it matters
The application brings a graphical interface for ChatGPT and Codex to Linux for the first time, where users previously relied on the command line and IDE extensions, so development teams working on Linux can track projects and code changes visually just like Mac and Windows users. However, the lack of computer use means the agent cannot yet control other desktop applications, so the tool remains limited for automation beyond code, and more demanding tasks need to be handled in other ways.
What was added since the original report
Verified updates
-
Computer use is not available in the preview; controlling desktop applications (GIMP, OpenOffice) is not possible; The application explicitly supports x64 and ARM64 architectures with .deb and .rpm packages; It includes a built-in browser, Chrome extensions and voice control; The Mac and Windows versions were released in July 2026; The application provides a visual interface for tracking projects, files and code changes; CLI remains more accessible for terminal users
- Computer use is not available in the preview; controlling desktop applications (GIMP, OpenOffice) is not possible
- The application explicitly supports x64 and ARM64 architectures with .deb and .rpm packages
- It includes a built-in browser, Chrome extensions and voice control
- The Mac and Windows versions were released in July 2026
- The application provides a visual interface for tracking projects, files and code changes; CLI remains more accessible for terminal users
Two audiences, two different impacts
What this means
For individuals
Linux users gain a graphical interface for ChatGPT and Codex instead of the previous command-line-only experience, but without the ability to control other desktop applications such as GIMP or OpenOffice.
For a business
Companies with developers on Linux can now deploy ChatGPT and Codex across all major desktop operating systems without needing virtual machines or dual booting, making it easier to standardize tools across development teams.
DevelopmentCheck the original
Event sources
confirmed by 2 independent sources · 2 publishers, 2 independent. We count feeds from the same owner only once.