OpenAI Introduces Task Scheduling for Paid ChatGPT Users

OpenAI has launched Tasks, a new beta feature for ChatGPT that enables paying users to set reminders and schedule recurring requests. Rolling out this week to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users globally, Tasks marks an important step in expanding ChatGPT’s capabilities toward practical, AI-driven assistance.

Key Features of Tasks

Set Reminders with Ease - Users can now create personalized reminders, such as:

• “Remind me when my passport expires in six months.”

Push notifications will deliver these reminders across platforms where Tasks is enabled.

Recurring Requests - ChatGPT can now handle ongoing needs, such as:

• “Every Friday, give me a weekend plan based on my location and the weather forecast.”

• “Provide a daily news briefing at 7 a.m.”

Web Browsing for Scheduled Tasks - ChatGPT can browse the web on a set schedule to fulfill tasks, such as:

• “Check once a month for concert tickets for my favorite artist in my area.”

How to Use Tasks

Tasks can be accessed by selecting the “4.0 with scheduled tasks” option from a dropdown menu within ChatGPT. From there, users can send a message detailing the desired reminder or recurring action.

Additional tools include:

• A dedicated task manager tab on the web app for managing tasks.

• Provide suggestions for task creation based on user chats, offered by ChatGPT itself.

Limitations:

• ChatGPT can now browse the web on a set schedule, but Tasks cannot run continuous background searches or perform actions like making purchases.

• Advanced Voice Mode does not currently support task creation.

A Step Toward Agentic AI

Tasks represents OpenAI's initial foray into AI systems that act independently—often called agentic systems. While limited compared to potential future applications, Tasks signals a shift toward making AI a more practical and proactive part of users' daily lives.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently stated that 2025 will be pivotal for AI agents, predicting they will “join the workforce” this year. Tasks bridges the gap between the current capabilities of digital assistants like Siri or Alexa and emerging AI-driven tools capable of complex, independent actions.

Looking Ahead

OpenAI’s beta phase for Tasks aims to gather insights on user interactions, which will inform future improvements and expansion to the mobile app and free tier. Beyond Tasks, OpenAI is preparing to launch more advanced agentic systems, including one reportedly called Operator, capable of writing code and booking travel.

These advancements bring both opportunity and risk. Tasks provides a controlled environment to test and refine safeguards against potential misuse. As OpenAI continues to innovate, the focus will likely remain on balancing functionality with robust safety measures.

What This Means

OpenAI’s new Tasks feature positions ChatGPT as a more capable assistant, bridging the gap between basic smartphone functionality and the promise of agentic AI. While its current capabilities are limited to relatively straightforward tasks, Tasks showcases how ChatGPT can improve productivity, personalize user experiences, and pave the way for increasingly independent AI systems.

With competitors like Google also advancing their AI models, OpenAI’s iterative approach ensures it stays at the forefront of practical AI development while maintaining user trust.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.