OpenAI’s developer changelog lists two Agents API updates on October 30, 2026.
Automatic review
- OpenAI says eligible Agents API projects can use automatic review. You turn it on by setting the session’s
reviewfield to"auto_review". - A model then approves or denies supported tool and permission requests, based on conversation intent and risk, instead of waiting for a person.
- OpenAI notes it adds token billing. Its guide covers supported requests, limitations and billing.
Background compaction
- Context compaction now runs in the background by default. To make it blocking again, set
compaction.asynctofalse. - OpenAI says background compaction may increase token usage.
- The same update changed session tool updates and added an opt-in experimental time-awareness setting. The changelog gives few details on those, so check OpenAI’s reference.
Why it matters
Automatic review trades human sign-off for speed, so write clear rules about what the agent may and may not do. Our agent permissions checklist has prompts and tests for that. See also the ChatGPT page and how to write an agent skill.
Source: OpenAI API changelog. We summarise in our own words; check the source for the full details.