OpenAI shipped a major update to Codex: the AI agent can now continue operating your Mac even after the screen is locked and the display goes dark. Users can send Codex tasks from their phone and have it operate apps on their Mac while they're away.
When enabled in settings, Codex installs an Apple authorization plug-in that participates in the standard macOS unlock flow. When Codex needs to access an application via Computer Use after the Mac locks, the plug-in temporarily unlocks the machine while blocking local input and preserving locked-screen protections.
The feature requires the Computer Use plugin with Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions. Codex can then click through windows, type, navigate menus, and interact with the clipboard in explicitly allowed apps.
Safety measures include short-lived authorization, covered displays, automatic relock on local input, and manual-unlock fallback. Codex cannot automate Terminal apps, itself, or system-level admin prompts. The feature is unavailable in the EEA, UK, and Switzerland at launch.
This marks a significant leap in autonomous agent capability — your computer can now work for you while you sleep.