News

OpenAI Launches In-Chat Apps for ChatGPT, Opens Developer Platform

• By John K. Waters
• 10/06/2025

OpenAI introduced integrated applications for its ChatGPT platform on Monday, allowing users to access third-party services directly within chat conversations and opening a new distribution channel for developers to reach its user base.

The feature enables ChatGPT's estimated 800 million users to interact with apps from companies including Spotify, Zillow, and Canva without leaving the chat interface. Users can invoke apps by name or receive contextual suggestions during conversations.

The company released an Apps SDK for developers, built on the Model Context Protocol, an open standard for connecting AI systems to external tools and data. Developers can begin building and testing applications immediately, with a formal submission process for public distribution scheduled to open later this year.

Limited Initial Rollout
The apps are available to logged-in users outside the European Union across ChatGPT's free and paid tiers. Seven pilot partners launched services today in their respective markets, starting with English-language support. OpenAI stated that it expects to extend its availability to EU users in the future, but did not provide a specific timeline.

Eleven additional partner apps are scheduled to launch later in 2025. The company plans to introduce the feature to its Business, Enterprise, and Education customers in the coming months.

Developer Economics Remain Unclear
OpenAI stated it will provide details on developer monetization "later this year," including support for what it calls the Agentic Commerce Protocol, a standard designed to enable direct transactions within ChatGPT. The company did not disclose revenue-sharing terms or fees.

To be listed in ChatGPT, apps must comply with OpenAI's usage policies and include a clear privacy policy. The company stated that apps meeting higher design and functionality standards may receive prominent placement in conversations and a planned app directory.

Privacy Controls
Users must grant permission the first time they connect an app, with ChatGPT displaying information about what data may be shared with developers. OpenAI announced that it will introduce more granular controls over data sharing later this year, enabling users to specify which categories of information each app can access.

The company published developer guidelines outlining technical and policy requirements for apps seeking distribution through ChatGPT.

Market Context
The move positions OpenAI to compete more directly with established app ecosystems operated by Apple, Google, and others. By embedding third-party services within its AI interface, the company is testing whether conversational access can become a viable alternative to traditional app stores and web browsing.

Integration partners stand to gain access to ChatGPT's user base at moments when their services are contextually relevant. John Weisberg, head of AI at Zillow, said the integration aims to make real estate search "faster, easier, and more intuitive" through conversational interaction.

The success of the platform will depend partly on developer adoption and whether users prefer accessing services through conversation versus dedicated apps or websites.