OpenAI launches GPT-6 Astra, aimed at doing computer tasks for you
Archive · Issue of 4 September 2026
What happened
On 3 September 2026 OpenAI released GPT-6 Astra, which it calls its most capable model so far. OpenAI said it was rolling out to a limited set of organisations first and would reach ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business and Enterprise users “over the coming days”, plus the API, Microsoft Azure and AWS Bedrock. TechCrunch reported the same rollout order.
Why it matters for your business
The headline feature is computer use: the model operates a browser or desktop to finish a task. OpenAI’s own examples are close to small-business admin: filling in online forms, updating customer records in a CRM and organising a calendar. It also claims Astra finishes these tasks in about 47% less time than its previous model on one benchmark. That is a vendor figure, not an independent test.
If you already pay for ChatGPT Business, the new model arrives inside a subscription you have. No new contract needed.
Two cautions. First, a model that clicks through your systems needs the same care as a new temp: limited logins and someone checking the work. Second, TechCrunch reported a debate about the model’s “opaque” reasoning, which makes it harder for outsiders to audit how it reached an answer. For customer-facing work, keep a human sign-off.
The Swiss angle
ChatGPT Business is available in Switzerland. OpenAI’s API price for Astra is USD 10 per million input tokens and USD 50 per million output tokens (about CHF 8.30 and CHF 41.50, approximate). That only matters if you build your own tools; plan users pay their normal seat price. ChatGPT works in German, French and Italian. Data location depends on your plan and settings, so check your workspace admin page before letting it touch customer data.
What to do
Nothing urgent. If you are on ChatGPT Business, try Astra on one repetitive browser task with dummy data, such as copying web-form enquiries into a spreadsheet. Time it against doing it by hand.
Update, October 2026: on 22 September OpenAI added two more models to the family, GPT-6 Sol and GPT-6 Luna (OpenAI).
Sources
- OpenAI, “GPT-6 Astra: A new generation of intelligence”: https://openai.com/index/gpt-6-astra/
- TechCrunch, 3 September 2026: https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/03/openai-launches-astra-its-powerful-and-controversial-new-model/
- OpenAI ChatGPT release notes (3 September 2026 entry): https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6825453-chatgpt-release-notes
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