OpenAI will discontinue ChatGPT Classic on January 30, 2027, and will test merging Chat and…

OpenAI to Discontinue Old ChatGPT Classic App, Merge Chat and Work Tabs

Phoenix Tech Download the App for Exclusive Early Access

November 03, 2026 08:29:32 From Beijing

Image caption: ChatGPT

Phoenix Tech News, Beijing Time, November 3: According to a report by tech website 9to5mac, OpenAI has notified users still using the old ChatGPT Classic app that it will soon be discontinued. At the same time, OpenAI is also preparing to merge Chat and Work into a unified interface.

A few months ago, OpenAI released a brand-new ChatGPT desktop app that integrated ChatGPT chat, Work, and Codex into a single interface. As a result, the original regular ChatGPT app was renamed ChatGPT Classic. This adjustment sparked considerable controversy, mainly for two reasons: first, OpenAI replaced the native macOS app with a version developed on the Electron framework; second, the new interface design is very confusing, making it difficult for users not only to find regular ChatGPT conversations but even to distinguish between ChatGPT, Work, and Codex.

OpenAI quickly responded to some of the complaints by restoring a prominent Chat and Work toggle button at the top of the window, giving users direct access to conversations, and adding a sidebar menu for switching between ChatGPT and Codex. Since then, the company has rolled out other changes to make the app easier to use.

However, the ChatGPT Classic app has largely remained unchanged. As OpenAI's new models become more tightly integrated with app-exclusive features (such as the ability to select different reasoning intensities), it has become increasingly unreliable. Although various signs had already indicated that this app was heading toward discontinuation, the official date has now finally been provided. According to a new prompt message users see when opening ChatGPT Classic, the app will officially stop providing service on January 30, 2027.

"This app will officially stop service on January 30, 2027. Please use the new ChatGPT app to experience the latest features. All your chat history will be migrated over, and you can continue unfinished conversations," OpenAI said.

OpenAI is telling users that in the coming weeks it will begin testing a unified experience that integrates Chat and Work features. A few months ago, OpenAI President Greg Brockman acknowledged that the new ChatGPT interface was "a bit confusing." He said at the time that the company hoped to eliminate the Work tab before the end of the year and integrate its features into the regular ChatGPT experience.

Now, in an email sent to users, OpenAI explained that this test will first be opened to a small group of users. They will be able to use ChatGPT's conversation features as well as Work's more powerful advanced features in the same interface. (Author/Xiao Yu)

For more first-hand news, welcome to download the Phoenix News app and subscribe to Phoenix Tech. For in-depth reporting, please search "Phoenix Tech" on WeChat.