OpenAI Rolls Out ChatGPT App Store for Third-Party Developer Apps
- OpenAI has introduced an in-chat app directory for ChatGPT, allowing users to browse, discover and connect third-party apps directly from the chatbot interface on web, iOS and Android[3].
- The new Apps SDK, released in beta as an open standard based on the Model Context Protocol, lets developers build and test chat-native apps before submitting them for review via OpenAI’s developer platform[4].
- Early integrations include services such as Expedia, Spotify, Zillow, Canva, Booking.com, Dropbox, Apple Music and DoorDash, enabling tasks like trip planning, playlist creation, shopping and document summarization inside ChatGPT[1][3].
- Developers can now submit apps for inclusion in the ChatGPT app store–style directory, though OpenAI says in-app monetization remains limited and is still being developed[3][4].
- OpenAI positions apps as a way to turn ChatGPT from a question-answering tool into a broader task platform, with the company describing its goal as helping users move from ideas to action while building a developer ecosystem[3][4].
OpenAI has launched an app directory inside ChatGPT that functions like an app store, giving users a way to find and use third-party apps directly in chat while opening a formal submission and review process for developers.
In-chat app directory and user experience
OpenAI’s new app directory appears within ChatGPT’s tools menu on web, iOS and Android, and is organized into categories such as Featured, Lifestyle and Productivity to help users find supported services.[3] Once a user selects an app, they connect it by authorizing access and can then invoke it in conversations, including through @ mentions, to perform actions tied to that service.[3] OpenAI says apps extend ChatGPT conversations by adding new context and enabling actions such as ordering groceries, turning an outline into a slide deck or searching for an apartment.[1][3] Connector integrations like Google Drive are now grouped under the broader “apps” label as part of this system.[3]
Developer tools and submission process
To support the new ecosystem, OpenAI has released an Apps SDK in beta, described as an open standard built on the Model Context Protocol that allows developers to build and test apps in a dedicated Developer Mode inside ChatGPT.[4] Developers can use OpenAI’s documentation, open-source example apps, a chat-native UI library and a quickstart guide to create integrations tailored to the conversational interface.[3][4] Once ready, developers submit their apps through the OpenAI Developer platform, where they can track approval status as part of a formal review and publication workflow for the ChatGPT app directory.[1][3] OpenAI’s developer guidelines set baseline requirements for listing, while apps that meet higher design and functionality standards may be featured more prominently in the directory and in user conversations.[4]
Early partners and use cases
OpenAI and partner companies have highlighted several early integrations that run through the new app directory. Travel and booking services such as Expedia and Booking.com can be used to plan trips and search accommodations directly from a chat.[1][3] Media services including Spotify and Apple Music let users find songs, organize music libraries and create playlists via conversational prompts.[2][3] Real estate platforms like Zillow allow users to search for apartments or homes, while productivity tools such as Dropbox enable summarizing reports, preparing briefs and gathering insights from stored documents within ChatGPT.[1][3] DoorDash and similar services can turn recipes or meal plans into a shopping cart, effectively linking planning and purchase steps inside a single chat thread.[3]
Monetization, privacy and access
OpenAI states that apps are currently available to all logged-in ChatGPT users outside the European Economic Area, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, with broader rollout to ChatGPT Business, Enterprise and Education customers planned over time.[4] For now, developers can primarily monetize by sending users from the ChatGPT app to their own native apps or websites, while OpenAI says it is exploring additional options, including support for digital goods and an Agentic Commerce Protocol that would enable instant checkout within ChatGPT.[2][3][4] The company emphasizes that app developers must provide clear privacy policies, and app submissions are subject to review against OpenAI’s standards before being listed in the directory.[3][4]
Further sources
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