OpenAI AI Updates: August 7, 2026

1. OpenAI Improves GPT-5.6 Sol and Expands Free Access to GPT-5.6 Luna

OpenAI. OpenAI rolled out an updated GPT-5.6 Sol in ChatGPT, citing better accuracy and consistency, and broadened access to the GPT-5.6 Luna model for free-tier users with unlimited everyday chats. The changes give non-paying users access to a stronger default model and extend the reach of OpenAI’s latest frontier line inside ChatGPT. Source

2. Codex CLI 0.147.0 Adds Agent Plugins and Updated MCP Support

OpenAI. OpenAI shipped Codex CLI 0.147.0, introducing installable portable Agent Plugins with search across local, personal, workspace, and remote plugin catalogs, plus conversation organization that lets users sort transcripts into persistent, manually ordered sections. The release also adds support for an updated MCP protocol and includes bug fixes covering security, terminal handling, and Windows compatibility. For practitioners, the plugin catalog and MCP update expand how Codex can be extended and integrated into existing tooling. Source

3. OpenAI Partners With the American Psychological Association on Youth Mental Health

OpenAI. OpenAI announced a partnership with the American Psychological Association to develop evidence-based guidance, resources, and safeguards for responsible AI use and youth mental health. The collaboration signals continued regulatory and safety scrutiny around how minors interact with conversational AI, an area increasingly relevant for teams building consumer-facing products. Source

4. OpenAI Publishes Signals Data on Global ChatGPT Usage

OpenAI. OpenAI released Signals data detailing how people use ChatGPT worldwide, including country-level insights on adoption, usage trends, and evolving behavior as users shift from asking questions to delegating tasks. The report offers practitioners a data-backed view of real-world adoption patterns and how work usage is maturing across markets. Source