OpenClaw v2026.9.7 — snappier under load, smoother long chats, OpenAI Agents API, and more

OpenClaw 2026.9.7 is out, built on 2,818 pull requests from 344 contributors. The release focuses on responsiveness under load, long-conversation smoothness, and update safety — plus a couple of new integrations.

Snappier under load

Busy conversations are less likely to block other chats. Saving long replies, opening files, and preparing conversation history now do more of their work in the background, cutting waits in unrelated conversations.

Smoother long conversations

Typing, scrolling, and reading streamed replies have fewer pauses in long web chats. Loading older messages preserves your scroll position, so you can keep reading as history arrives above you.

Update backups and rollback protection

• Update backups now cover more agent databases.
• Eligible updates gain database rollback if they fail before the new version starts.
• Available recovery options depend on your installation, backup, and the updater you run.

Fixes for upgrading from 2026.9.5

Several upgrade problems are fixed: unexpected managed-update rollbacks, Windows updates that stopped after migration, Mac app handoffs, and npm installations that wouldn't start. Note: an install already stranded by an older updater may still need manual repair.

OpenAI Agents API

For single-user setups, the new optional Agents API runs chats in a persistent hosted workspace with web search, OpenClaw tools, and supported file transfers. It uses an OpenAI API key, separate from ChatGPT sign-in. Self-hosted setups have different requirements and do not support those file transfers.

Sign in with ChatGPT (Beta)

ChatGPT sign-in is now an explicit connection choice alongside Codex login and API keys. It requires an eligible account, registration, and consent. It does not support every model or media tool.

Better chat on Mac, iPhone, and iPad

• Apple chat gains document and audio attachments.
• Replies show message times and the answering model when available.
• Mac chat gets a command palette.
• iPhone and iPad fixes keep drafts in place while navigating.

Picking up work after a restart

Restart recovery helps agents find unfinished work and distinguish interrupted tasks from failures. Supported graceful restarts preserve completed edits for cloud workers and paired computers. Interrupted tool calls are not automatically replayed.

Who it's for: Existing OpenClaw users on 2026.9.5 who hit update or rollback issues, and anyone on single-user setups who wants the hosted Agents API or ChatGPT sign-in.