OpenAI is testing GPT-5.2 “Codex‑Max” for some subscribers
OpenAI has begun rolling out a subscription-only variant of its Codex model labeled GPT-5.2‑Codex‑Max, with some users already spotting the model when checking which engine their Codex session was running (example report). This follows the December release of GPT-5.2‑Codex and appears to mirror the previous pattern where “Max” variants sit above the standard builds in capability.
What’s new in GPT-5.2‑Codex‑Max
According to the announcement accompanying GPT-5.2 and early user observations, the Max edition focuses on robustness for larger, longer-running development workflows. Key improvements highlighted include:
- Improved long-task coherence, allowing Codex to stay on track across extended operations.
- Context compaction for large repositories, keeping large codebases usable by compressing and retaining relevant context.
- Stronger handling of major refactors and migrations, intended to preserve understanding of project state through heavy structural changes.
- More reliable tool use, reducing failures when invoking external tools during coding sessions.
- Better Windows workflow support, addressing platform-specific behaviors and integrations.
- Enhanced vision capabilities, enabling understanding of screenshots, UI bugs, and diagrams shared during a session.
These points align with the capability set OpenAI described when launching GPT-5.2‑Codex in December, and they reflect the kinds of improvements a “Max” variant delivered in the earlier GPT‑5.1 series.
How this compares to earlier “Max” releases
The GPT‑5.1‑Codex‑Max upgrade provided a noticeable step above the base models, and the emergence of GPT‑5.2‑Codex‑Max suggests a similar incremental boost focused on reliability and large-project workflows rather than purely raw generation quality. Emphasis on context compaction and vision support signals attention to practical developer needs—maintaining useful context across sprawling repos and interpreting visual artifacts that commonly occur during debugging.
Availability and next steps
The Max variant is appearing for some paid users now. OpenAI may release further details about GPT‑5.2‑Codex‑Max in the coming days, but current public information is limited to user reports and the prior GPT‑5.2 release notes.
For the original coverage, see BleepingComputer: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/artificial-intelligence/openai-is-rolling-out-gpt-52-codex-max-for-some-users/?
