OpenAI launches Agents API beta for long-running cloud agents
OpenAI has opened a public beta of its Agents API, a platform that lets developers create cloud‑based AI agents capable of running for hours, executing code, and processing files. The service runs on the same back‑end that powers OpenAI’s Codex and ChatGPT, offering automatic context management, parallel tool usage, and the ability to hand off subtasks to sub‑agents. Developers can choose…
Key points
- Agents API beta lets developers run cloud agents for hours, execute code, and handle files.
- Runs on same infrastructure as Codex and ChatGPT, with automatic context, parallel tools, and sub‑agent delegation.
- Available via OpenAI sandboxes or partners Cloudflare, Vercel, Oracle; billing only by token usage.
The API builds on the open‑source Codex harness and supports custom functions, MCP, and built‑in tools such as web search. By exposing the infrastructure behind OpenAI’s most popular models, the Agents API aims to simplify the creation of persistent, autonomous assistants for a range of applications, from developer tooling to enterprise workflows, while keeping costs predictable and scaling transparent.
OpenAI's new Agents API gives developers the infrastructure behind Codex and ChatGPT
The Decoder · 11 September 2026
OpenAI's new Agents API gives developers the infrastructure behind Codex and ChatGPT
OpenAI has released the Agents API as a public beta. It lets developers build cloud-based agents that run for hours, execute code, and process files. The API runs on the same infrastructure that powers Codex and ChatGPT. Key features include automatic context management, parallel tool use, and the ability to delegate tasks to sub-agents.
Developers can choose between OpenAI-hosted sandboxes or partners like Cloudflare, Vercel, and Oracle. There are no extra fees. Billing is based solely on token usage. The API builds on the open-source Codex harness and supports MCP, custom functions, and built-in tools like web search.
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Coverage and discussion
3 sources- Hacker News discussion · 272 points news.ycombinator.com
- Hacker News discussion · 13 points news.ycombinator.com
- OpenAI Agents API Press · developers.openai.com ·
- Introducing the Agents API Primary source · OpenAI ·
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