OpenAI adds scheduling powers to ChatGPT with new Tasks feature

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OpenAI adds scheduling powers to ChatGPT with new Tasks feature

OpenAI released a beta feature named Tasks for ChatGPT on January 14, 2025, enabling users to schedule one-time or recurring actions for future execution. This addition equips ChatGPT with digital assistant functionalities similar to Siri and Google Assistant, targeting paid subscribers initially through a model selection process.

Prior to this update, ChatGPT excelled in conversational intelligence but missed essential scheduling tools that define effective digital assistants. Tasks addresses this gap by allowing users to request actions such as reminders or automated checks at specified times. The feature integrates seamlessly into ChatGPT’s interface, enhancing its utility for everyday productivity without requiring separate applications.

Availability began on January 14, 2025, exclusively for ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers. These users activate the feature by navigating to the model picker within the ChatGPT platform and selecting the “4o with scheduled tasks” option. Following selection, users input their specific request directly into the chat, prompting ChatGPT to set up the scheduled action based on the described parameters.

Today we’re rolling out a beta version of tasks—a new way to ask ChatGPT to do things for you at a future time.

Whether it's one-time reminders or recurring actions, tell ChatGPT what you need and when, and it will automatically take care of it. pic.twitter.com/7lgvsPehHv

— OpenAI (@OpenAI) January 14, 2025

According to reporting from The Verge, ChatGPT generates task suggestions drawn from the context of previous user conversations. This proactive approach streamlines the setup process, though every proposed task requires explicit user approval before activation. Such safeguards ensure that only intended actions proceed, maintaining control over automated behaviors.

Management of scheduled tasks occurs either within the ongoing chat interface or through a dedicated Tasks page accessible via the profile menu on the web version of ChatGPT. The Tasks page provides a centralized view of all active reminders, listing details such as timing, descriptions, and status. Users edit or cancel any task with minimal steps, typically involving a few clicks to modify parameters or remove entries entirely.

The system limits users to a maximum of 10 active tasks at any given time, balancing functionality with resource management. This cap prevents overload while supporting a range of personal or professional scheduling needs.

OpenAI product manager Karina Nguyen detailed example applications in a thread on X. She described scenarios like receiving daily morning updates on stock prices, getting a new foreign language vocabulary word each day for learning purposes, and obtaining a summary of that day’s AI-related news developments. These cases illustrate the feature’s versatility for routine information delivery and skill-building.

OpenAI plans to extend Tasks access to all ChatGPT account holders, including those on free tiers, in a forthcoming update. The company stated that the feature will arrive “eventually to everyone with a ChatGPT account,” broadening its reach beyond current paid limitations.

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