OpenAI is quietly preparing a significant upgrade to its ChatGPT web app, and recent leaks suggest major changes are on the horizon.
Quick Summary – TLDR:
- A new feature called Salute will allow users to create tasks, upload files, and track progress.
- ChatGPT may soon optimize search results for local businesses, including restaurants and hotels.
- Secure tunnel support is coming for safer integration with internal servers.
- Users will get inline editable code and math blocks for improved content editing.
What Happened?
Multiple sources and researchers have uncovered details about an upcoming ChatGPT update currently in internal testing at OpenAI. The new features point to a more powerful and interactive experience on the web version, designed for both productivity and personalization.
New ChatGPT web app changes
— Tibor Blaho (@btibor91) January 17, 2026
– new mentions of “Salute” (“Create tasks with file uploads and track their progress in Salute”)
– “is model preferred” flag for local business, restaurant, and hotel results in business map widgets
– new secure tunnel for MCP servers (“Secure…
ChatGPT Salute: Task Creation and Tracking
A standout feature in the leaked update is codenamed “Salute”. This tool will let users create and manage tasks directly within ChatGPT, including the ability to upload files and monitor the task’s progress in real time. This marks a major step toward transforming ChatGPT into a project and task management assistant, not just a conversational AI.
- Users can create structured tasks within chats.
- Upload documents or files relevant to those tasks.
- Monitor how tasks progress in a live, trackable way.
Smarter Local Recommendations
Another key update includes a reference to an “is model preferred” flag. This appears to signal a shift in how ChatGPT processes location-based queries. The AI will likely be able to select specialized models that provide better answers for local business searches, like hotels, restaurants, or services.
- Expected improvement in local discovery features.
- More accurate map-based results for commercial queries.
- Tailored recommendations through optimized model selection.
Secure Tunnel for Enterprise Servers
Security and developer integration also seem to be getting a boost. The update includes mention of a secure tunnel that would connect internal Managed Cloud Platform (MCP) servers to OpenAI using outbound-only HTTPS.
According to the leaked reference:
This could ease adoption of ChatGPT in corporate environments where tight firewall controls are common.
- No inbound firewall configuration needed.
- Safe and encrypted communication with OpenAI servers.
- Ideal for companies integrating AI tools securely.
Enhanced Editing with Inline Blocks
For users who work with text, code, or formulas, OpenAI is adding more powerful editing tools. The update will bring inline editable code blocks and math blocks to the web version.
These are similar to the formatting block OpenAI recently rolled out, which provides a mini editor toolbar when you highlight text in rich-text areas like emails or drafts.
- Code blocks can now be edited directly in the chat.
- Math equations can be input and modified inline.
- Boosts ChatGPT’s usability for developers, students, and professionals.
SQ Magazine Takeaway
I think this update shows OpenAI is not just refining ChatGPT. It’s redefining what ChatGPT can be. With the introduction of Salute and inline editing, ChatGPT is inching closer to becoming a real workspace assistant, not just a chatbot. The local search optimization and secure tunnel are smart moves too, giving the AI more real-world utility and enterprise appeal. If these features roll out soon, they could reshape how people use ChatGPT day-to-day, especially for productivity and local discovery.
