---
title: "ChatGPT and Codex will share one usage limit from December, and the Chat and Work tabs are merging"
url: https://anawords.com/story/chatgpt-codex-shared-usage-limits-december-chat-work-merge
published: 2026-11-02T22:09:36+05:30
updated: 2026-11-02T22:09:36+05:30
section: Tools & Apps
author: Mayank Sahu
checked: sources checked by AI, approved by editor
version: 1
---

# ChatGPT and Codex will share one usage limit from December, and the Chat and Work tabs are merging

OpenAI says most people won't notice, but heavy Codex users may hit resets more often. Pro limits were doubled first; per-plan allowances are not published.

**In short:** OpenAI told subscribers on 2 November 2026 that from December, ChatGPT and Codex will draw from one shared usage allowance on Plus, Pro and Business plans. The ChatGPT desktop app will also merge its Chat and Work tabs, starting with select users.

From December, ChatGPT and Codex will draw from one shared usage allowance on the Plus, Pro and Business plans, OpenAI told subscribers in an email on 2 November 2026.[^1][^2] Chatting and coding will count against the same limit.[^1][^2]

OpenAI says most people won't notice the change, though "some folks might need to wait for resets more frequently", depending on how they use it and which model.[^1][^2]

## The Chat and Work tabs are merging

The ChatGPT desktop app will drop its separate Chat and Work tabs and fold them into one.[^1][^2] OpenAI's pitch: "This will enable you to move from exploring an idea to having ChatGPT carry it through, all in one place."[^1][^2] Codex stays a separate section inside the desktop app.[^1][^2]

The merged tab goes to select users first. OpenAI hasn't said when everyone else gets it, or whether the web and mobile apps will follow.[^1][^2]

## What doesn't count

Instant chat won't draw from the shared allowance, SQ Magazine reports, and the email describes it as unlimited on paid plans.[^2] Your combined remaining usage and reset times will appear under Settings, then Usage.[^2]

## Pro users got more first

OpenAI doubled usage limits for Pro on 29 October and dropped a planned cut to that tier before pooling begins, according to SQ Magazine.[^2] Pro, the $200 plan, will still join the shared pool in December.[^2]

## What we still don't know

OpenAI hasn't published the size of the allowance for each plan, or how quickly each model uses it up.[^2] That's the number heavy users care about most. Someone who writes code in Codex all afternoon and then asks ChatGPT long research questions in the evening is drawing from one pot either way.

## Who should plan ahead

Developers on Plus who lean on Codex are the group most likely to feel this. If you regularly hit limits now, check the Usage page once it appears and note how fast your work draws it down. Teams on Business plans may want to decide which tasks go to Codex and which can use Instant chat, since Instant won't count.

## What to watch

- The allowance figures per plan, which OpenAI hasn't released.
- The December start date for pooling, and the wider rollout of the merged tab.

Related: [ChatGPT Locked Chats explained](/story/chatgpt-locked-chats-pin-face-id-what-it-protects) and [OpenAI's models coming to Google Cloud](/story/openai-models-codex-google-cloud-model-garden).

## Fact ledger

- [Reported] ChatGPT and Codex will share one usage allowance from December on Plus, Pro and Business. (source 1,2)
- [Reported] The desktop app will merge its Chat and Work tabs, starting with select users. (source 1,2)
- [Unconfirmed] Instant chat will not draw from the allowance. (source 2)
- [Unconfirmed] OpenAI doubled Pro usage limits on 29 October. (source 2)
- [Not known] Allowance size for each plan.

## Sources

1. [tbreak: ChatGPT Chat and Work tabs merge, Codex shares limits](https://tbreak.com/chatgpt-chat-work-tabs-merge/)
2. [SQ Magazine: ChatGPT and Codex to share usage limits as Work tab merges](https://sqmagazine.co.uk/chatgpt-codex-share-usage-limits-work-merges/)