OpenAI has rolled out an update to ChatGPT mobile , bringing Codex, a programmer agent that previously only worked on computers, into it. Now Codex runs on a Mac , and you can control it from your iPhone: set tasks, track status, and collect results—all without ever returning to your laptop. If you’re just planning to start paying for ChatGPT in Russia and haven’t decided yet, Codex on iOS is another reason to take the plunge. Below, we’ll explain what it offers in practice, who might find it useful, and where the feature has limitations.
Codex has also appeared on the iPhone, but with a certain nuance.
What is Codex in ChatGPT and what is it used for?
Codex is an OpenAI agent for working with code. Unlike regular chat with ChatGPT, it doesn’t just answer questions; it performs tasks: opens projects, edits files, and runs commands. We previously wrote about how AI assistants are gradually becoming full-fledged assistants within Apple devices —Codex is moving in the same direction, but for developers.
Did you know what Codex is?
OpenAI recently released the Codex extension for Chrome: the agent can open tabs, click on elements, fill out forms, and log in to websites. This allows it to better understand the context of tasks—for example, to see how the web application it’s been asked to improve works. You can compare subscription prices for ChatGPT and other neural networks in our detailed pricing breakdown .
Why run Codex tasks from your phone?
The main idea behind the update is simple: Codex tasks take a long time to launch , and you don’t have to sit in front of your Mac the entire time. An agent can spend minutes or even tens of minutes tinkering with a project, rewriting files, and running tests. Previously, you had to return to the computer to check. Now, the status and results are visible directly in the ChatGPT app on your phone .
This is useful in two scenarios. The first is when you’ve assigned an agent a difficult task and then left to do something else: you can check on your phone whether they’ve finished it and immediately assign the next one . The second is when you need to quickly throw together a new task while on the road or from the couch, without opening your laptop. Want to learn more about AI capabilities? Subscribe to our channels on Telegram and MAX .
How to connect Codex on iPhone to Mac
There’s no need for separate accounts or messing around with settings—everything runs within a single ChatGPT account . Here’s the process:
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- Install or update the ChatGPT app on your iPhone to the latest version.
- On your Mac, download and launch Codex , then sign in to the same OpenAI account you have on your phone.
- The application on your computer will offer to link the Codex to iOS; agree to this action.
The offer will ask you to link the Codex to iOS, agree
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- In the mobile app, open the Codex section—tasks and sessions linked to your computer will appear there.
Do the same in the mobile app.
- Set a new task or open an already running one to view the status and results .
In fact, the phone acts as a remote control: calculations and file management are carried out on the Mac , and in the app you can see the progress and results.
Which Codex tasks are visible in the ChatGPT app?
It’s important to understand: this isn’t a full-fledged remote desktop . With ChatGPT on iOS, you don’t get a Mac screen, you can’t move the mouse around macOS, and you can’t launch third-party programs. What you see are Codex entities—agent tasks , their status, code changes, logs, and responses.
From your smartphone, you will see the tasks that are given within the Code and the process of their implementation.
By comparison, if you need real remote access to a computer with a screen and controls, there are dedicated tools like Apple’s Universal Desktop Management or third-party solutions. Incidentally, we wrote separately about how an iPhone turns into a Mac-like experience when connected to an external monitor—that’s a different story, but it’s in the same vein as “the phone as a full-fledged work tool.” Incidentally, ChatGPT can do more than just write code—it can now generate screenshots and help files that are hard to distinguish from the real thing.
Who should use Codex on iPhone?
This update is primarily for developers already using Codex on Mac . If you write code and regularly delegate tasks to an AI agent, mobile access saves time : you don’t have to keep your laptop open every ten minutes to check whether the agent has completed tests.
I asked Codex to tell me about his skills from my smartphone, and a ready-made chat immediately appeared on my computer.
For other iPhone owners, this feature is essentially unnecessary: Codex is a tool for programmers , not a “just let me control my Mac” assistant. Don’t write code or mess with repositories— update ChatGPT simply as you would any other version; you won’t get any specific benefit from Codex. Having trouble figuring out how to set it up or have any questions? Contact us in our Telegram or MAX chats ; we’re sure to help.
Codex on Windows and free plans
Codex only works with paid ChatGPT plans . Free users don’t have access to the full agent—either on desktop or on phone. OpenAI changes plans and limits from time to time, so check the current subscriptions page in the app before purchasing.
What to consider:
- The mobile app is an add-on, the main work happens on the computer, and without Codex running on the Mac, there will be nothing to control from the phone;
- For serious tasks, you need a stable internet connection on both your computer and your smartphone;
- In Russia, paying for OpenAI subscriptions without a foreign card still requires workarounds—this applies to all paid ChatGPT features , including Codex.
Support for Windows and other platforms is still unclear, so it’s unrealistic to claim that Codex on iOS is compatible with any computer. If you’re using Windows or Linux, please consult OpenAI’s documentation before purchasing a subscription.
For a Mac developer with an active ChatGPT subscription, the mobile app update is a no-brainer: having a remote control in your pocket saves dozens of back-and-forths between your phone and computer each day. If you haven’t tried Codex yet, it’s logical to start with the desktop and then add the mobile app on top. There’s no point in subscribing to ChatGPT solely for the mobile portion—without Codex, there’s simply nothing to see in the app on your Mac.
