By By David Ramel09/28/2026
Publication Date: 2026-09-28 00:00:00
OpenAI to Retire Custom GPTs, Replace Them with Plugins
OpenAI is preparing to retire Custom GPTs and move the specialized workflows built around them to a new plugin architecture spanning ChatGPT and its Codex coding agent.
The company announced the change Sept. 11 and currently schedules Custom GPT retirement for Dec. 11, 2026, although it says timing and migration availability can vary by account and workspace.
For affected Enterprise workspaces, OpenAI’s current migration schedule targets Oct. 26 for ending creation of new Custom GPTs. Qualifying Enterprise customers with approved deferrals can continue using them until Feb. 11, 2027.
OpenAI has changed its UI to make GPTs less prominent, and when users choose to try creating a new Custom GPT, they are now prompted with an option to create a plugin instead.
From Custom Assistants to Reusable Capabilities
Rather than maintaining separate customized versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI is shifting customization toward plugins that can package reusable instructions, reference material and connections to outside services.
Under OpenAI’s plugin architecture, a plugin can include one or more skills containing instructions and resources for repeatable workflows, a Model…
