OpenAI Launches Interactive Apps and Developer SDK Directly within ChatGPT
Executive Summary
OpenAI has announced the introduction of "apps in ChatGPT," a new feature allowing users to interact with third-party services conversationally within the chat interface. Alongside this, the company has released a preview of the new Apps SDK for developers to begin building these integrations. This initiative transforms ChatGPT into an extensible platform where apps can be contextually suggested or directly called by name, blending natural language with interactive UIs to help users accomplish tasks.
Key Takeaways
* Product Launch: Introduction of "apps in ChatGPT," which integrate third-party services directly into conversations, and a corresponding "Apps SDK" for developers.
* User Experience: Users can invoke apps by name (e.g., "Zillow, find houses...") or have ChatGPT suggest them contextually. The apps combine conversational interaction with interactive graphical elements like maps and presentations.
* Developer Platform: The Apps SDK is now in preview, built on an open standard called the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It allows developers to build, test, and eventually publish and monetize their applications on the ChatGPT platform.
* Initial Availability: Apps are available today for all logged-in ChatGPT users (Free, Go, Plus, Pro) outside of the EU. The Apps SDK preview is open for all developers.
* Launch Partners: The initial set of apps includes services from Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, Spotify, and Zillow.
* Future Roadmap: Plans include opening app submissions for publication later in the year, launching an app directory, providing monetization details, and expanding availability to Business, Enterprise, and Edu customers.
Strategic Importance
This launch marks a strategic shift for OpenAI, transforming ChatGPT from a standalone AI assistant into a comprehensive platform ecosystem. It aims to make ChatGPT the central interface for a wide range of digital tasks, directly competing with traditional app stores and operating systems for user engagement and developer attention.