Always-on and self-starting AI agents might be OpenAI's next big play

OpenAI is building a "Persistent Mode" for its AI agent Codex, according to publicly available code WIRED found. Unlike earlier modes that shut down after minutes or hours, this agent is designed to "continue working proactively until it is 'put to sleep.'" TIME had previously reported on "persistent agents," virtual coworkers that handle tasks on their own over long stretches of time.

The code also includes a "proactivity" feature. The agent generates its own follow-up tasks, works across sessions, and can reach out to users without being asked. Changes outside the user's system still need approval. OpenAI confirmed the tests to WIRED but said there are no immediate launch plans. The direction fits with Sam Altman's repeated goal of turning ChatGPT into a full personal assistant.

Persistence raises security questions, too. When OpenAI released GPT-5.6 Sol, the company described how the model, when fed prompts designed to trigger persistent behavior, took actions against the user's interest. One example was deleting data.

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