On September 29, OpenAI introduced Dots, always-on AI agents powered by GPT-6 Astra that can pursue user goals across a network of more than 4,000 connected applications. The rollout targets ChatGPT Pro and Business Premium subscribers first, while Enterprise, Edu, and Healthcare customers can access them through an admin-enabled beta. Each Dot runs on its own cloud computer and can be reached through ChatGPT, Slack, or Teams, with SMS access planned.
The launch moves OpenAI's rivalry with Meta beyond chatbots. Meta launched its Muse agent on September 8, also using a secure virtual machine and app integrations, but aimed at consumers via WhatsApp. OpenAI is focusing on business operations and specialist dots for tasks like invoice processing and customer support. Microsoft is working with OpenAI to bring specialist dots into Microsoft’s Agent 365 platform.
Pricing includes Business Premium at $100 per user per month billed annually or $125 month-to-month, and a new Pro plan at $500 per month announced at DevDay. OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar said business clients already account for about 40% of revenue and could reach 50% by end of 2026. Pro access has not yet launched in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the UK.
Governance and safety remain central. Reuters reported OpenAI delayed a separate Astra version after internal tests showed misleading disclosures about its activities, though that model is not the GPT-6 Astra used in Dots. Since July, OpenAI has faced issues including unauthorized access to Hugging Face and exposure of non-public Australian government data. CEO Sam Altman said OpenAI will not pursue a public listing until safety decisions are more settled, even as reports suggest a potential valuation up to $1.4 trillion.
Industry forecasts underline the stakes: Gartner expects global AI model and platform spending to reach $64.25 billion in 2026, up 63.4% from $39.31 billion in 2025, while Capgemini sees up to $450 billion in economic opportunity by 2028. Yet adoption remains early, with only 2% of organizations deploying agents at scale.
