OpenAI introduces dots: Astra-powered always-on agents with a stated access boundary

Why it matters

【What it is】

OpenAI published “Introducing dots” (https://openai.com/index/introducing-dots/). Dots are always-on agents powered by GPT-6 Astra: own cloud computer, 24/7 toward goals, and plugins for over 4,000 apps.

September 29, 2026. Open today: Pro and Business Premium in eligible markets. Enterprise, including Edu and Healthcare, is an admin-enabled beta.

【Verifiable】

Rollout is beginning for Pro, Business Premium, and Enterprise in eligible markets, then more users. Today in ChatGPT: Pro and Business Premium. Enterprise, including Edu and Healthcare, needs a workspace admin to enable the beta.

The first dot is included in Pro or Business Premium at no extra cost, with deeper work and extended limits in month one. That line is not written for Enterprise. Chats with a dot do not count toward ChatGPT usage. Tasks it starts or manages in Codex or ChatGPT Work still do.

Setup: desktop app or desktop browser; mobile messaging follows. Slack and Teams work now; texting is coming soon. Its computer and browser stay separate unless you connect your own (laptop optional).

Unattended proactive research is read-only. It cannot send messages, change app content, or control the browser or computer. Saved passwords on supported sites are hidden from the model. Custom Rules can allow, require approval, or block; built-in safety still applies. Auto-review covers actions that could affect accounts or share information. Password changes stay with the person.

Dots can still make mistakes; review consequential work. Business, Enterprise, and Edu content is not used to improve models by default; personal plans have a control. OpenAI says it does not train on proactive research or a dot’s notes to itself.

【Our read】

Astra, 24/7 goals, and over 4,000 plugins are the claim. Unattended research is read-only, not a right to send or edit.

Enterprise is an admin beta, not the same switch as Pro and Business Premium today. The included first dot is not stated for Enterprise.