OpenAIs Agent Usage Hits 10 Million Users as ChatGPT Work Drives Demand
The uptick comes as OpenAI seeks to keep pace with competitors such as Anthropic, which introduced its own general‑purpose agent, Cowork, earlier this year. Anthropic’s product, like ChatGPT Work, is designed to move beyond coding assistance and help users complete more complex work. Both firms are investing in advanced agents that can automate routine and sophisticated tasks, a development that investors are watching closely.
OpenAI’s growth in agent usage is notable against the backdrop of its broader user base. ChatGPT, released in November 2022, has more than 900 million weekly active users as of February 2026. The large community of ChatGPT users provides a ready distribution channel for Codex, ChatGPT Work, and future agent offerings, although the company has not disclosed any direct financial impact from the new usage numbers.
According to Bloomberg, the 10 million‑user milestone reflects a sharp increase in demand for AI tools that can perform complex work on behalf of users. The report notes that the combined usage of Codex and ChatGPT Work has nearly doubled since earlier this month, suggesting that the market for agents capable of handling a broader mix of tasks is accelerating.
Anthropic’s Cowork, launched in January 2026, is positioned as a file‑managing agent that can read, analyze, and create files on a user’s computer. The company’s strategy mirrors OpenAI’s, aiming to broaden its reach beyond coding tools. Both companies are therefore competing for adoption among knowledge workers who need reliable automation.
OpenAI’s agent growth also highlights the importance of user experience and integration. ChatGPT Work, powered by GPT‑5.6, can connect to external tools and automate workflows, while Codex focuses on coding tasks such as pull‑request completion, refactoring, and code review. The complementary nature of the two agents may explain the rapid rise in combined usage.
The announcement underscores a broader trend in the AI industry toward agents that can act autonomously across multiple platforms. As more organizations adopt such tools, the competitive landscape is likely to intensify, with firms vying for market share in both consumer and enterprise segments.
In conclusion, OpenAI’s 10 million‑user milestone for Codex and ChatGPT Work signals growing traction for AI agents that can handle complex tasks. The company’s large existing user base may help accelerate adoption, while competition from Anthropic and other players keeps the market dynamic. Investors and industry observers will continue to monitor how these agents evolve and how they influence the broader AI ecosystem.