OpenAI appears to be preparing an always-on agent that could launch as “O,” with DevDay on September 29 emerging as a possible announcement window. OpenAI has confirmed that DevDay takes place that day in San Francisco, with Sam Altman opening the keynote.
We have spotted references to "O" across ChatGPT’s configuration, including “O” as a display name and an email suffix configured as “-o.” The agent was also recently referenced as a benefit on the upgrade page for the $100 Pro plan. Together, these clues point to a persistent agent designed to keep working outside a normal chat session, potentially with its own email identity from the start.
OPENAI 🔥: An upcoming always-on assistant from OpenAI will be named "o".
— 🚨 AI News | TestingCatalog (@testingcatalog) September 26, 2026
> Its reference appeared briefly on the ChatGPT upgrade screen for some users.
> Internal config has references to "o" as a display name and "-o" as an email suffix. This means that "o" will support… https://t.co/5h7sxa3MGP pic.twitter.com/EgPCedQ5uU
The project may be related to “Aeon,” a name previously associated with OpenAI’s always-on agent work. Aeon is also being used internally around custom agents for ChatGPT Workspace accounts, suggesting that "O" could become a consumer-facing implementation built on related infrastructure. Details about supported tasks, permissions, scheduling, memory, or availability remain unknown.
o yes… we’re back in action and we’ll reset usage limits for all paid users across codex and ChatGPT work
— Tibo (@thsottiaux) September 26, 2026
sorry about the brief disruption!
(and yes we have a special spare codex when things are down to help us out) https://t.co/Qy0da4L1jq
"O" hints from Tibo
Two other clues point to the "O" branding. OpenAI has previously been rumored to be exploring a donut-shaped hardware device, making the single-letter name an interesting potential reference if those projects eventually intersect. Meanwhile, the @o account on X currently appears suspended and could potentially be reserved for a future launch.
An always-on agent would fit OpenAI’s broader move from conversational ChatGPT toward software that can carry out longer-running work with less supervision. It would primarily benefit users who want agents handling recurring research, communications, monitoring, or other tasks while they are away.
Meta has already pushed this category forward with Muse, putting additional pressure on OpenAI to show what its own persistent agent can do. With DevDay only days away, "O" is now one of the more notable unreleased ChatGPT features to watch, along with a recently leaked Pro Max subscription plan.
