OpenAI has officially opened submissions for third-party apps in ChatGPT, allowing developers to extend the AI platform with new tools, actions, and integrations. The move follows the introduction of apps at DevDay earlier this year and marks a significant step toward a more interactive, ecosystem-driven ChatGPT experience.
Bringing Real-World Actions into Chat
ChatGPT apps enable the AI to go beyond conversation, connecting users to real-world workflows. Users can now leverage apps to complete tasks such as ordering groceries, creating slide decks from outlines, or searching for apartments directly within a chat. Apps can be invoked during a conversation either by mentioning them by name or by selecting them from a dedicated tools menu.
To make these experiences seamless, they’ve introduced a native app directory within ChatGPT where users can browse featured apps, search for specific tools, or access apps via direct deep links while also helping developers reach their audience more efficiently.
Developers looking to create ChatGPT apps can use the Apps SDK, currently in beta, to build chat-native experiences that integrate context and actions directly into conversations.
OpenAI provides extensive resources, including open-source example apps, a UI library for chat-native interfaces, and a quickstart guide, to help developers design intuitive, effective apps.
Submissions go through a review process which includes checks for functionality, safety, transparency and compliance with policies. OpenAI emphasizes that all apps must follow strict guidelines around privacy, safety, and transparency. Developers are required to request only the data necessary for functionality and to provide clear privacy policies with users maintaining control over connected apps, which can be disconnected at any time, immediately revoking access to their data.
Approved apps are added to the app directory and may be featured prominently or recommended by ChatGPT based on quality and user engagement.
During this early phase, apps can link to external websites or native apps for transactions involving physical goods. OpenAI plans to explore additional monetization options, including digital goods, as the ecosystem matures and as user engagement provides insights into new opportunities.
By allowing apps to integrate tightly with conversations, OpenAI aims to have a thriving app ecosystem within ChatGPT, help users move from ideas to action more efficiently, and provide developers with tools to reach audiences and monetize their work, turning ChatGPT into not just a conversational AI, but a platform for interactive, practical workflows.
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