ChatGPT Now a Unified Platform for Productivity, Creativity, and Enterprise

OpenAI has unveiled a transformative update to ChatGPT, repositioning it as a platform operating system that enables third-party developers to build and integrate apps directly into the AI interface. This shift, announced through the launch of the Apps SDK, marks a strategic pivot to expand ChatGPT's utility beyond conversational AI, positioning it as a hub for productivity, creativity, and enterprise applications.

The Apps SDK, available in preview, allows developers to design both the logic and user interface of apps that run within ChatGPT. Built on the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard for connecting ChatGPT to external tools and data, the SDK extends MCP to support app development. Developers can now create apps that interact with user context, offer interactive interfaces, and integrate with backend systems to enable features like premium subscriptions or user authentication. OpenAI emphasizes that the SDK is open source, fostering interoperability across platforms that adopt the MCP standard .

Initial availability of apps is restricted to non-EU users on Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans, with pilot partners including Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, Spotify, and Zillow. These apps allow users to perform tasks such as creating playlists, browsing real estate listings via interactive maps, or generating slide decks within ChatGPT. For example, Zillow's integration enables users to search for homes based on budget and location, blending conversational guidance with real-time data. OpenAI plans to expand app availability to EU users and introduce monetization options for developers later this year, including support for the Agentic Commerce Protocol, an open standard for instant checkout .

Safety and privacy remain central to the initiative. All apps must comply with OpenAI's usage policies, ensure data minimization, and obtain user consent for data sharing. The first-time connection prompts users to acknowledge data permissions, with plans to introduce granular controls for data categories in 2024. OpenAI has also published draft developer guidelines outlining requirements for app quality, safety, and functionality .

The company aims to launch apps for ChatGPT Business, Enterprise, and Edu later this year, alongside a dedicated app directory for user discovery. Apps meeting higher design and functionality standards may be featured prominently in the directory and within conversations. OpenAI's long-term vision includes enabling developers to monetize their apps, with details on revenue-sharing models expected soon .

This evolution of ChatGPT underscores OpenAI's strategy to position its platform as a foundational infrastructure for AI-driven workflows. By integrating apps directly into the chat interface, OpenAI seeks to reduce friction between user intent and action, aligning with broader industry trends toward AI-native application development.

Source: [1] Introducing apps in ChatGPT and the new Apps SDK | OpenAI (https://openai.com/index/introducing-apps-in-chatgpt/)

[2] Build with the Apps SDK - OpenAI Help Center (https://help.openai.com/en/articles/12515353-build-with-the-apps-sdk)

[3] Apps SDK - developers.openai.com (https://developers.openai.com/apps-sdk)