What are OpenAI dots? The always-on ChatGPT agents, explained

Short answer: OpenAI dots are always-on AI agents inside ChatGPT, announced at DevDay on 29 September 2026. Each dot runs on GPT-6 Astra, has its own cloud computer and browser, keeps working on goals in the background, remembers context and messages you when it needs a decision. The first dot is included with ChatGPT Pro 200 and Business Premium in eligible markets.

How dots work

1. You create your primary dot, give it a name and make it your own.
2. You set a goal and permissions, for example "watch client feedback and summarise it every Friday".
3. It works on its own cloud computer, researching, analysing data, writing documents or building software through Codex.
4. It connects to your apps through plugins, with more than 4,000 apps supported.
5. It checks in. In the background it uses read-only access and asks your approval before sensitive actions.

You can reach your dot in the ChatGPT app or website, in Slack or Microsoft Teams, or on a voice call. Context carries across all of them, so a project started in ChatGPT can continue in a Slack thread.

Price and availability

Plan	dots access
Free and Plus	Not at launch
Pro ($100)	Not included
Pro 200	First dot included
Business Premium	Included, with more options
Europe	Pro users excluded at launch

Text messaging support (iMessage and RCS) has a waitlist.

dots vs Meta Muse

Both are always-on agents that run on their own secure computer, work in the background and ask before sensitive steps. Meta launched Muse on 8 September 2026 with a free tier plus $20 and $100 plans. dots currently require a premium ChatGPT plan but plug into Codex, ChatGPT Space and Microsoft's Agent 365 security controls. Read our earlier piece on Meta Muse.

6 ways creatives could use a dot

• Trend watch: a weekly digest of runway, retail and social trends in your niche.
• Client feedback: collect comments from Slack or email and turn them into a clear revision list.
• Reference hunting: gather visual references for a moodboard brief. Pair it with our free AI moodboard generator.
• Launch checklist: track every asset for a product drop and flag what is missing.
• Invoices and admin: remind you of unpaid invoices and draft the follow-up.
• Research: compare suppliers, materials or tools and write a one-page summary.

What to watch out for

• Permissions: give each dot only the apps it needs.
• Approvals: keep sensitive actions (sending, paying, publishing) on approval.
• Brand voice: agents learn from feedback, so correct them early.
• Cost: always-on work sits on premium plans; check your usage.

FAQ

What model powers dots? GPT-6 Astra.

Can I have more than one dot? You start with one; OpenAI plans teams of dots and specialist dots.

Do dots work without me? Yes, they keep working in the background and reach out when needed.

Where can I talk to a dot? ChatGPT, Slack, Microsoft Teams and voice, with texting coming.

Want the full event recap? Read OpenAI DevDay 2026: everything announced. Learn the skills behind good delegation with our ChatGPT agent mode guide and 300+ prompts.

Sources: TechCrunch, The Decoder, WIRED, BGR.