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OpenClaw shifts OpenAI models to Codex

2026-05-17 · openclaw

OpenClaw published a major runtime update for OpenAI models. The new default routes OpenAI agent turns through the Codex app-server harness instead of translating everything through OpenClaw's older loop.

Key Features or Updates

The post says Codex now owns the OpenAI turn, including native thread state, tool continuation, compaction, code mode, and dynamic tool search. OpenClaw keeps ownership of channels, memory, sessions, cron, browser, media, and its own integration tools.

Impact on Developers

This should reduce prompt bloat and make OpenAI-backed agent turns feel more native. It also gives OpenClaw a cleaner model for separating product logic from the model loop.

How to use it

If you're running OpenAI models in OpenClaw, authenticate through the guided path and keep the canonical model reference in config. The article suggests the best experience comes from letting Codex handle the low-level loop while OpenClaw handles everything around it.

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