OpenAI has expanded its Codex desktop app on macOS with a groundbreaking feature that allows the coding agent to use your Mac even when the screen is locked and off. Users can now send tasks from their phone and have Codex operate apps remotely, showing a "Codex is Using Your Mac" overlay when the system is locked.

The functionality requires installing the Computer Use plugin and granting Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions. After setup, Codex can click windows, type text, navigate menus, and interact with the clipboard in explicitly allowed applications, addressing tasks that command-line tools cannot easily accomplish, such as reproducing GUI-only bugs or changing app settings.

OpenAI emphasizes that the feature is unavailable in the European Economic Area, UK, and Switzerland at launch. Codex requests permission before operating each new app, though users can mark specific applications as "Always allow." The update follows recent additions including the "Appshots" feature and "/goal mode" that enables agents to work toward milestones across extended periods.