OpenAI Launches Apps Within ChatGPT - A New Era of AI

OpenAI Integrates Applications Directly into ChatGPT

A novel approach to application development within ChatGPT is being introduced by OpenAI. Beginning Monday, ChatGPT users will gain access to interactive applications originating from a diverse range of companies. These include well-known names such as Booking.com, Expedia, Spotify, Figma, Coursera, Zillow, and Canva.

DevDay 2025 Announcement and Vision

The announcement was made during OpenAI’s annual developer conference, DevDay 2025. CEO Sam Altman articulated the company’s objective: “We want ChatGPT to be a great way for people to make progress, to be more productive, more inventive, to learn faster, to do whatever they’re trying to do in their lives better.”

Altman further explained that integrating applications directly into ChatGPT will foster “a new generation of apps that are interactive, adaptive, and personalized, that you can chat with.”

Building an Ecosystem Around ChatGPT

This new system represents OpenAI’s latest effort to cultivate a robust ecosystem of applications centered around its flagship AI product, ChatGPT. It follows previous initiatives aimed at enabling developer-created interactive applications, like the GPT Store.

Unlike its predecessor, which functioned as a separate application marketplace, this launch integrates apps directly into ChatGPT’s responses. Users can now access third-party tools seamlessly within their regular conversations, providing developers with enhanced distribution and a more enriched user experience.

Utilizing Applications Through Conversational Prompts

Users can activate content from various services simply by typing the names of the desired applications within ChatGPT. For instance, a user could instruct, “Figma, turn this sketch into a workable diagram” to initiate the Figma application.

Similarly, the Coursera app can be summoned by posing a question like, “Coursera, can you teach me something about machine learning?”

Zillow Integration Example

A demonstration of Zillow’s application showcased ChatGPT responding to natural language prompts to search for apartments in a specific area and price range. An interactive map displaying available options was then presented, allowing users to engage in further conversation to obtain more details about each property.

Proactive Application Suggestions

ChatGPT will also proactively suggest relevant applications when they could be beneficial to the user. For example, if a user requests a playlist for an upcoming party, ChatGPT may integrate the Spotify application into the conversation.

OpenAI anticipates the future availability of additional applications, including those from DoorDash, Instacart, Uber, and AllTrails.

Model Context Protocol and Interactive UIs

The new system is founded upon the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which facilitates the connection of developer data sources to the AI system. ChatGPT applications are capable of triggering actions and rendering fully interactive user interfaces within the chatbot’s responses.

Video display is also supported within certain applications, appearing pinned to the top of the webpage and adaptable based on user input.

Account Access and Monetization

Users who already possess subscriptions to integrated services will be able to log into their accounts directly within ChatGPT to access specific features. OpenAI also intends to introduce monetization options for applications within ChatGPT, potentially leveraging its recently launched Instant Checkout feature.

Privacy Considerations

Key concerns surrounding applications within ChatGPT revolve around user privacy and the extent of data access granted to third-party developers. OpenAI stipulates that developers must “collect only the minimum data they need, and be transparent about permissions.”

However, the precise level of access – whether it encompasses a user’s entire conversation history, recent messages, or solely the initiating prompt – remains unclear.

Service Selection and Prioritization

The method by which ChatGPT will select a service from competing providers, such as DoorDash and Instacart, is also yet to be determined. While potential financial incentives for prioritized placement exist, OpenAI asserts its commitment to prioritizing the user experience above all else.