OpenAI has introduced a new Group Chat feature for ChatGPT, expanding the platform beyond one-to-one interactions and moving it toward a shared, collaborative environment. The update allows users to add multiple participants into a single chat thread where the AI can assist everyone collectively. According to the company, the feature is designed to support team projects, planning, research workflows and personal group activities such as trip coordination or brainstorming.
The rollout marks another step in OpenAI’s efforts to expand ChatGPT’s utility as both a personal and professional tool. Group interactions in chatbot platforms have been an area of growing interest, with users seeking more fluid ways to coordinate tasks with AI alongside colleagues, family members or friends. The new model aims to replicate the familiarity of common messaging platforms while adding structured assistance from advanced AI models.
OpenAI stated that the feature can help users work together in real time. Multiple participants can ask questions, share files or build on earlier ideas, while ChatGPT generates summaries, provides suggestions or maintains project continuity. The company said the tool can reduce fragmentation that often happens when people use separate chats to coordinate shared plans or tasks.
The group chat experience uses GPT 5.1 by default for subscribers of ChatGPT Plus, Team and Enterprise plans. These versions have access to deeper reasoning and more context retention, which OpenAI says improves the accuracy of information and the quality of multi-party interactions. Free users are expected to receive partial access over time, though the company has not provided a timeline.
In its announcement, OpenAI highlighted three primary use cases that are expected to see early adoption. The first is team collaboration, especially for groups working remotely. Users can include ChatGPT in project rooms to handle document drafting, provide outlines or conduct quick research checks. The second is learning and study groups, where ChatGPT can assist with explanations, examples and structured study plans. The third is personal group coordination, including travel planning, shopping lists and event management.
The company also emphasized privacy controls within this feature. Members of a group can see who added ChatGPT to the conversation, and all participants can view how the AI responds. OpenAI added that users retain the ability to delete chats and manage data settings. Enterprise customers receive the highest level of privacy assurances, including no use of organization data for model training.
Industry analysts have noted that OpenAI’s move mirrors familiar communication patterns in consumer apps. Analysts say that integrating AI into group settings could change how people handle collective decisions or research, especially in settings where information needs to be synthesized quickly.
The introduction of group chat for ChatGPT also signals the growing competition among major technology companies to make AI tools more collaborative. Earlier this year, Google and Microsoft launched their own AI assistants inside productivity ecosystems, though most remain centered on single-user workflows. OpenAI’s approach of adopting a chat-room model positions ChatGPT closer to everyday messaging habits.
Early users who have tested the feature have shared examples of its utility. Groups planning vacations reported that ChatGPT could create itineraries based on differing preferences within the group. Office teams found that the tool could help divide tasks, summarize discussions and produce actionable lists. Students have said the feature is helpful for reviewing chapters, preparing for exams or creating shared presentations.
OpenAI has continued to refine the platform’s ability to handle varied styles of group communication. The company said the AI can adjust tone depending on the nature of the conversation, whether formal business planning or informal personal discussion. It can also provide clarifications when group members hold conflicting details or requests.
The update comes during a period of continuous expansion of ChatGPT’s capabilities. Over recent months, OpenAI has introduced improved reasoning features, faster model response times and enhanced personalization options. The company is openly positioning ChatGPT as a tool that can shift between individual assistance and shared productivity.
According to the company, more features will be added to group chat in the coming months. These may include improved file collaboration, deeper integration with third-party tools and features tailored for larger organizations. OpenAI said the goal is to make the experience seamless across business and personal contexts.
The addition of group chat reflects broader industry momentum around multi-agent and multi-participant AI experiences. Technology researchers describe it as the next phase of human-AI interaction, where artificial intelligence functions as part of a team rather than only assisting individuals. As adoption increases, new practices and expectations around AI-supported collaboration are likely to emerge in workplaces and personal settings.
For users in India, where ChatGPT’s adoption has grown significantly among freelancers, start-ups and students, the feature may offer more integrated ways to work with peers. Group chat may also support India’s growing remote and hybrid workforce by reducing the number of platforms used for coordination.
With the introduction of this feature, OpenAI continues to extend ChatGPT’s position as a mainstream productivity tool. The company said user feedback will play a significant role in shaping future updates. The rollout is already underway for paid tiers and will expand gradually in the coming weeks.