OpenAI has officially expanded Operator, its AI-powered task automation assistant, to global markets. After its initial launch in the U.S. in January 2025, Operator is now available to ChatGPT Pro subscribers in Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the U.K., and more regions. However, the expansion excludes the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland for now.
What is OpenAI Operator?
Operator is not just another chatbot—it’s an AI-powered assistant designed to handle automated tasks on behalf of users. Unlike traditional AI assistants, Operator can:
Book tickets and make reservations (flights, restaurants, events)
Manage expense reports
Handle online shopping
Interact with third-party websites and services
Essentially, it acts as a virtual personal assistant, executing tasks in real time rather than just providing information.
Who Can Access Operator?
Currently, Operator is exclusive to ChatGPT Pro users, which costs $200 per month. The AI tool operates through a dedicated webpage and runs in a separate browser window, allowing users to monitor and intervene if needed. OpenAI has confirmed plans to integrate Operator into all ChatGPT clients in the near future.
Why OpenAI Operator Stands Out
While AI-powered automation tools are becoming increasingly common, OpenAI aims to make Operator a leader in the market by providing:
Real-time task execution rather than simple recommendations
Seamless integration with third-party services
More human-like interactions compared to standard chatbots
How Operator Compares to Its Competitors
OpenAI isn’t the only company working on AI-driven task automation. Here’s how Operator stacks up against the competition:
| Feature | OpenAI Operator | Google AI Agent | Anthropic AI | Rabbit’s Action Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Global (excl. EU) | Waitlist phase | API access only | Device owners only |
| Real-Time Tasks | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (still in development) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Limited |
| Third-Party Integration | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (limited) | ❌ No |
While Google, Anthropic, and Rabbit are making significant progress, Operator’s availability and functionality give it an edge in AI-driven automation.
Challenges & Limitations of Operator
Despite its powerful automation capabilities, Operator comes with some drawbacks:
Expensive Subscription – At $200/month, Operator is currently not affordable for casual users.
Limited Accessibility – It’s not available in the EU and some other regions, restricting its adoption.
Potential Privacy Concerns – Since Operator interacts with external websites and handles sensitive data, some users may have security concerns.
The Future of AI-Powered Task Automation
With this expansion, OpenAI is making a bold statement in the AI assistant market. The demand for automation tools is growing, and Operator’s real-world capabilities could set a new standard for AI-driven task management.
However, for Operator to truly dominate, OpenAI may need to:
Offer a more affordable plan for a wider audience
Expand to EU markets once regulatory concerns are addressed
Improve security and transparency around data handling
OpenAI’s Operator is pushing AI task automation to the next level. While it’s currently limited to high-paying Pro users, its potential impact on daily tasks is significant.
As AI evolves, automation assistants like Operator could soon become as essential as search engines or smart assistants. The real question is: Are users ready to trust AI with their daily responsibilities?
What are your thoughts on Operator’s global expansion? Would you pay $200/month for an AI assistant that handles your tasks? Let us know! 🚀
