On September 29, 2026, OpenAI introduced "dots" at its developer conference. A dot is an AI helper that keeps working in the background, even after you close ChatGPT. It has its own cloud computer and web browser, and you can give it tasks in ChatGPT, Slack or Microsoft Teams. It runs on GPT-6 Astra, OpenAI's newest model.
Do you get one? Only if you pay for ChatGPT Pro (from $100 a month), Business Premium, or an Enterprise plan through your employer. Free, Go and Plus users don't get dots, and nothing changes for your plan. Even Pro subscribers in the European Economic Area, Switzerland and the United Kingdom don't get dots yet.
What changes for you. If you use the free version or the $20 Plus plan: nothing. You don't need to do anything, and there's no reason to upgrade just because of this. If you're curious what this kind of assistant looks like, our explainer on Meta's Muse agent covers a similar idea, and what ChatGPT Work does covers OpenAI's earlier step in this direction.
Prices also moved. OpenAI added a new Pro 500 plan at $500 a month, aimed at heavy professional use. From October 30, the $200 Pro plan gets smaller allowances for work tasks and top-model messages, and existing subscribers receive a one-time usage credit. Our plan comparison explains which paid tier suits what, and for most people the answer is still the cheapest one.
A sensible caution. An assistant that acts on its own needs access to your accounts, so connect only what a task really needs. OpenAI says dots ask before sensitive actions and that you can set your own rules. Expect "dots" to become a hook for fake offers, so only ever sign up inside the official ChatGPT app or website. See how to spot a scam AI app and what not to tell an AI chatbot.