Introduction
OpenAI has announced the launch of a new generation of conversational applications directly integrated into ChatGPT. Apps in ChatGPT represent a paradigm shift in user-application interaction, combining familiar interactive interfaces with the power of natural language. Developers can start building these applications using the new Apps SDK, now available in preview and built on the Model Context Protocol (MCP) as an open standard.
What Are Apps in ChatGPT
Apps in ChatGPT are applications that integrate naturally into conversations. Users can discover them when ChatGPT suggests them at the right time or by calling them by name. These applications respond to natural language and include interactive interfaces that can be used directly in the chat, eliminating the need to switch between different platforms.
The distinctive feature of this new generation of apps is their ability to blend familiar interactive elements like maps, playlists, and presentations with innovative conversational interaction modes. For example, you can start with a text outline and ask Canva to transform it into a complete presentation, or take a course on Coursera and ask ChatGPT to elaborate on a concept while watching the video.
Availability and Launch Partners
Apps in ChatGPT are available to all logged-in users outside the European Union on Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans. The pilot partners include seven leading companies that collaborated on the initial platform development.
Launch partners include:
- Booking.com for travel and accommodation bookings
- Canva for visual content creation and presentations
- Coursera for learning and online courses
- Figma for collaborative design
- Expedia for travel planning
- Spotify for music and playlist creation
- Zillow for real estate search
These applications are available in markets where their respective services are offered, initially in English. OpenAI plans to expand availability to more partners throughout the year and bring apps to EU users soon.
How to Use Apps in ChatGPT
Using apps in ChatGPT has been designed to be intuitive and contextual. When you start a message with the name of an available app, like "Spotify, make a playlist for my party on Friday," ChatGPT can automatically surface the application and use relevant context to assist the user.
ChatGPT can also proactively suggest apps when they're relevant to the ongoing conversation. If you're discussing buying a new home, the AI can propose the Zillow app to let you explore real estate listings matching your budget on an interactive map directly in ChatGPT.
The first time you use an app, ChatGPT will prompt you to connect it, ensuring transparency about what data might be shared with the application. This explicit consent-based approach respects user privacy and allows them to maintain control over their information.
Apps SDK: Developer Tools
The Apps SDK is the framework powering apps in ChatGPT and is now available in preview for developers. Built on the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard that lets ChatGPT connect to external tools and data, the SDK extends MCP by allowing developers to design both the logic and interface of their applications.
OpenAI has made the Apps SDK open source, enabling apps built with it to run anywhere this standard is adopted. This open approach promotes interoperability and reduces vendor lock-in for developers.
Developers can use their own code to define the app's interface and conversational logic, connecting directly with their own backends. This means existing customers can log in or access premium features without disruption to the user experience.
Development Resources
OpenAI has published comprehensive documentation including design guidelines and an open-source repository with practical examples to help developers design experiences that combine interaction and conversation. Developers can test their apps using Developer Mode in ChatGPT, which allows verification of functionality and interactions before publication.
The goal of the preview is to gather feedback from the developer community and build this new generation of applications together. OpenAI has announced that additional reusable components and faster development tools will be available soon.
Safety and Privacy
OpenAI has implemented strict policies to ensure a safe and positive experience. Every app in ChatGPT must comply with OpenAI's usage policies, be appropriate for all audiences, and respect partner rules for any third-party integrations.
Developers are required to include clear privacy policies, collect only the minimum necessary data, and be transparent about required permissions. When a user connects an app for the first time, ChatGPT prompts for explicit authorization, clarifying what data might be shared.
Throughout the year, OpenAI will provide even more granular controls allowing users to decide which specific data categories each app can use to personalize results. OpenAI has also published a draft of developer guidelines outlining the criteria apps must meet to be available in ChatGPT.
Future Outlook and Monetization
During 2025, OpenAI will launch apps for ChatGPT Business, Enterprise, and Edu, extending these capabilities to organizations. The company will also open submissions allowing developers to publish their apps in ChatGPT and launch a dedicated directory where users can browse and search for applications.
Apps that meet the standards provided in the developer guidelines will be eligible for listing in the directory. Those achieving higher design and functionality standards may be featured more prominently, both in the directory and in conversations.
OpenAI will share details on monetization soon, including support for the new Agentic Commerce Protocol, an open standard enabling instant checkout in ChatGPT. This feature will open new commercial opportunities for developers, enabling seamless transactions directly in the conversational environment.
Conclusion
The introduction of apps in ChatGPT marks the beginning of a new era in user-application interaction. Bringing unprecedented utility to users and new opportunities to developers, this innovation redefines how we conceive software interfaces. With over 800 million ChatGPT users, developers have access to a global audience at the most relevant moment and context for their applications.
The release of the Apps SDK as an open standard based on MCP demonstrates OpenAI's commitment to interoperability and an open ecosystem. As more developers build with these tools, the list of what's possible will continue to grow, transforming ChatGPT into an increasingly powerful and versatile platform.
FAQ
What are apps in ChatGPT?
Apps in ChatGPT are conversational applications that integrate naturally into chats, combining interactive interfaces with natural language to offer functionality like presentation creation, real estate search, music playlists, and much more.
How can I use apps in ChatGPT?
You can use apps by calling them by name at the start of a message (e.g., "Spotify, make a playlist") or ChatGPT will suggest them automatically when relevant to the conversation. The first time it will ask for your consent to connect.
Which apps in ChatGPT are available at launch?
Launch partners include Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, Spotify, and Zillow. These apps are available to logged-in users outside the EU on Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans, in markets where services are offered.
How can I develop an app for ChatGPT?
Developers can use the Apps SDK, now available in preview, built on the Model Context Protocol (MCP). OpenAI provides comprehensive documentation, examples, and a Developer Mode in ChatGPT to test applications.
Are apps in ChatGPT secure from a privacy perspective?
Yes, OpenAI requires every app to comply with usage policies, collect only minimal data, and be transparent about permissions. Users must explicitly authorize each app before use and receive granular controls over shared data.
Can developers monetize apps in ChatGPT?
OpenAI will share monetization details later in 2025, including support for the Agentic Commerce Protocol enabling instant checkout. Apps will be able to reach over 800 million ChatGPT users.
When will apps in ChatGPT be available in the EU?
OpenAI expects to bring apps to European Union users soon, but hasn't announced a specific date. Currently they are available to logged-in users outside the EU.
Is the Apps SDK for ChatGPT open source?
Yes, OpenAI has made the Apps SDK open source and built it on the Model Context Protocol (MCP) as an open standard, allowing apps to run anywhere this standard is adopted.