On Tuesday, OpenAI unveiled a new tool for developers, called the Responses API, designed to streamline the creation of advanced AI agents. The tool will allow developers to build AI systems capable of executing complex tasks independently, a critical feature as competition intensifies globally, particularly from Chinese AI startups.
The Responses API, which replaces OpenAI’s previous Assistants API, is now available to developers at no additional cost. This move signals OpenAI’s ongoing efforts to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of AI agent development. The Assistants API will gradually be phased out by mid-2026, making way for the new, more advanced tool.
AI agents are increasingly seen as the future of autonomous technology, designed to perform real-world tasks without direct human input. The new API is a key development in this space, enabling standardized communication and data exchange between software components—paving the way for increasingly sophisticated AI systems.
The launch comes at a time when Chinese startups, such as Monica, are gaining significant attention in the AI industry. Monica recently introduced Manus, an AI agent that the company claims outperforms OpenAI’s DeepResearch agent. The startup’s success has been further bolstered by a partnership with Alibaba’s Qwen AI models, a strategic move expected to increase competition for OpenAI and other U.S. companies in the AI space.
While U.S.-based AI companies like OpenAI continue to lead the field, these emerging Chinese startups are proving that they can offer similar, if not superior, capabilities at a significantly lower cost. With AI technology rapidly advancing and global competition rising, OpenAI’s latest API launch demonstrates its commitment to maintaining leadership in the race to develop next-gen AI systems.
For developers, the Responses API offers an opportunity to build more powerful and autonomous AI systems. As the landscape continues to evolve, OpenAI’s move to provide this tool free of charge underscores its ongoing efforts to support the developer community in an increasingly competitive market.
