OpenAI Debuts New Apps Feature in ChatGPT
OpenAI recently introduced a groundbreaking feature, allowing developers to create interactive applications within ChatGPT. This initiative is set to enhance user experience significantly by providing immediate access to various services.
Launch of Interactive Applications
Starting Monday, users will have the ability to engage with applications from prominent companies such as:
- Booking.com
- Expedia
- Spotify
- Figma
- Coursera
- Zillow
- Canva
Developer Tools and Objectives
At the annual DevDay 2025 conference, OpenAI unveiled the Apps SDK, which serves as a toolkit for developers to create these apps. CEO Sam Altman emphasized the goal: “We want ChatGPT to be a great way for people to make progress, to be more productive.” With this new feature, applications will be interactive, adaptive, and personalized.
Seamless Integration
The new approach offers a significant upgrade from previous trials, such as the GPT Store. Unlike earlier methods that required users to navigate a separate app store, the latest integration allows apps to appear directly within ChatGPT’s responses. This feature provides a more streamlined interaction.
Users can invoke applications during conversations. For instance, saying “Figma, turn this sketch into a workable diagram” will invoke the Figma app, while a request like “Coursera, can you teach me something about machine learning” will access the Coursera app.
Enhanced User Experience
A demonstration of the Zillow application highlighted the functionality users can expect. By prompting ChatGPT in natural language, individuals can search for apartments within specific budget parameters. The system can generate an interactive map showcasing various options. Throughout this process, users can interact with ChatGPT for additional information.
Moreover, ChatGPT is designed to automatically suggest relevant apps. For example, if a user requests a playlist for an upcoming event, the Spotify app may be triggered automatically.
Technical Details
The new system operates using the Model Context Protocol (MCP). This allows developers to connect their data sources directly to an AI system. The applications can also execute actions and present a fully interactive user interface within ChatGPT’s responses.
Some applications will have the capability to display videos embedded directly in ChatGPT. Users who are subscribed to services can log in to their accounts within ChatGPT to access specific features seamlessly.
Future Prospects
OpenAI plans to support monetization options for apps within ChatGPT, including the recently introduced Instant Checkout feature. Future integrations will potentially include services such as DoorDash, Instacart, Uber, and AllTrails.
Privacy Considerations
A primary concern surrounding this integration is privacy and data access rights for third-party developers. OpenAI has stated that developers should only collect essential data and maintain transparency regarding permissions. However, the extent of developer access to user conversations remains uncertain.
This development marks a significant step in enhancing ChatGPT’s functionality, offering users a richer and more interactive experience through a holistic ecosystem of applications.
