OpenAI has broadened access to its ChatGPT Projects feature, rolling it out to Free users for the first time. The update introduces greater flexibility with larger file uploads, enhanced customisation, and refined memory controls, making it easier for individuals and teams to organise their AI-powered workflows. Free-tier users can now upload up to five files within a project, while Plus subscribers gain support for 25 uploads. Higher plans—Pro, Business, and Enterprise—can manage up to 40 uploads per project. The rollout is currently live on web and Android, with iOS support expected soon.
Projects now offer personalisation features such as custom colours and icons, along with memory management on a project-by-project basis. This allows users to structure their work more effectively across varied tasks. By expanding access beyond paid tiers, OpenAI aims to make structured, AI-assisted productivity tools more widely available, lowering the entry barrier for individuals exploring advanced use cases.
In parallel with the Projects update, OpenAI also announced a key team addition. The developers behind Alex, an AI-powered coding assistant for Xcode, have officially joined its Codex team. Alex had gained recognition for being one of the first intelligent coding agents tailored specifically for iOS and macOS development.
Reflecting on the journey, Daniel Edrisian, co-founder of Alex, said: “When we started out, Xcode had no AI. Building a ‘Cursor for Xcode’ sounded crazy, but we managed to do it anyway. And, over time, we built the best coding agent for iOS & MacOS apps.”
He added: “It is an honour to continue that work at a much bigger scale at OpenAI, along with the incredibly talented Codex team. Our mission is to help people create, and today that is more possible than ever.”
As part of this transition, the Alex app will no longer be available for new downloads starting October 1. Existing users will retain access and receive support, though no new feature updates will be introduced.
Together, these developments underscore OpenAI’s dual focus—broadening accessibility for its ChatGPT users while simultaneously strengthening its developer tools and coding assistant capabilities through the Codex division.
