OpenAI opens ChatGPT app directory to third-party developers, transforming AI interactions

We Had a Poke Around ChatGPT's New App Store. Here's What We Found

After a call for app submissions from developers, ChatGPT's beta app feature has arrived. Adobe Photoshop, Spotify, Canva, Zillow and other well-known digital tools are now apps within ChatGPT. OpenAI has launched an app platform two months after announcing the beta feature and rolling out a development kit. Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source. On Dec. 17, OpenAI announced that developers could submit their apps and a day later, apps began to appear in the desktop version of ChatGPT, the wildly popular chatbot with more than 800 million active users. It's unclear how soon it will show up in the mobile ChatGPT app. In CNET's testing, it wasn't yet available on iOS. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET's parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.) The apps, at least at launch, are categorized as "Featured," "Lifestyle" and "Productivity," with descriptions that will look familiar to anyone who's used the Apple App Store or the Google Play store. You can also use search to find a specific app that may not be listed under those categories. Many of the apps include screenshots with prompt examples that suggest how to use the app within the chatbot. Canva, for instance, includes the prompt example, "@canva create a 2025 wrap presentation for my class." Instead of downloading an app, you'll click a "Connect" button to give ChatGPT access to it. From there, you can use an @ prompt to access that app's features. Interestingly, you can't just ask ChatGPT what apps are connected if you forget -- instead, you need to go to Settings, Connected Apps or to Settings, then Data Controls, then Connected Apps depending on which version of ChatGPT you're using.

OpenAI now accepting ChatGPT app submissions from third-party devs, launches App Directory

OpenAI has begun accepting submissions from third-party developers for their apps to be accessible directly in ChatGPT, and has launched a new App Directory (don't call it a "store"!) that can be opened from the ChatGPT sidebar and at the URL chatgpt.com/apps. This means the 800 million+ users of OpenAI's hit chatbot can search for, discover and begin using newly approved third-party apps immediately. Once installed, apps can be triggered during conversations by mentioning them by name (using @) or selecting them from the tools menu. The third-party app submission process officially went live last night, December 17, as OpenAI announced in a blog post and on its developer account on X, though the company notes it will be reviewing all new third-party app submissions before approving them for listing in the App Directory, and making them available to ChatGPT users, to ensure they comply with the company's public guidelines. Apps that pass OpenAI's review process will begin rolling out to users starting early 2026. For those enterprises who want to get in on the action with their own ChatGPT apps, OpenAI said it will host a public webinar "Build Hour" event for third-party developers on January 21, where OpenAI engineers will walk through how to build, submit, and design apps for ChatGPT, using real-world examples and taking questions. App Directory vs. GPT Store This whole effort marks the start of a broader developer ecosystem beyond the small set of curated partners OpenAI launched its Apps standard development kit (SDK) earlier this fall, and seems to be fulfilling some of the hype that ensued back when OpenAI debuted its "GPT Store" back in early 2024, nearly two years ago. However, despite the pledge of revenue sharing that OpenAI made back then, it hasn't since provided many updates on the GPT Store, nor have we heard much from GPT builders about making substantive revenue from it. But while those custom, user-generated GPTs were limited primarily to text-based experiences, the new ChatGPT App Directory and SDK features allow for a far more interactive experience including user accessible buttons, maps, multi-views, sliders, shaders, and other interaction modalities. The GPT Store also still remains available now. Monetization, restrictions, and review process In this early phase, ChatGPT apps may link out to external websites to complete purchases for physical goods only. Selling digital goods, subscriptions, or in‑app services isn't yet allowed, though OpenAI says it is exploring additional monetization options over time. All apps must: * Comply with OpenAI's usage policies * Be suitable for general audiences, including teens * Include a clear privacy policy and support contact * Avoid advertising, deceptive behavior, or prohibited commerce categories Developers submit apps through the OpenAI Developer Platform, where they can track review status. Only one version of an app can be under review at a time. What this means for developers and users OpenAI first introduced the Apps SDK at its DevDay conference in October, positioning it as a way to build "apps inside of ChatGPT." CEO Sam Altman described the vision as enabling "a new generation of apps that are interactive, adaptive, and personalized." Built on the open Model Context Protocol (MCP) developed by rival Anthropic, the Apps SDK lets developers connect external services, fetch real-time context, trigger actions, and render UI directly inside ChatGPT. Until now, ChatGPT apps were limited to a list of seven pilot partners including: That list has since expanded to dozens of new apps, including popular software like Adobe PhotoShop (and Acrobat and Express), Github, Replit, Gmail and Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, Mailchimp, Stripe, and many more. And with general submissions now open, any verified developer -- from solo builders to large enterprises -- can build and submit apps for ChatGPT, provided they meet OpenAI's quality, safety, and privacy standards. For users, the change means ChatGPT can now act as a hub for specialized tools and workflows. Apps can extend conversations by pulling in live data, rendering interactive interfaces, or taking actions on a user's behalf -- like designing a presentation, searching for housing, or interacting with an external service -- without leaving the chat. Apps can appear in several formats, including: * Inline cards or carousels inside the conversation * Fullscreen views for immersive tasks like maps or slide decks * Picture‑in‑picture modes for video, tutorials, or live sessions The goal, OpenAI says, is to keep everything feeling conversational while adding real utility. How ChatGPT is handling Apps data One of the biggest open questions around ChatGPT apps is how user data is handled when third‑party apps are involved. Based on OpenAI's documentation and guidelines, here's what is clear -- and what remains unanswered. What OpenAI has stated clearly: * When a user connects to an app, ChatGPT discloses what types of data may be shared with the third party and surfaces the app's privacy policy before connection. * Third‑party developers are responsible for how their apps handle data once received. * Apps must minimize data collection, requesting only what is necessary to perform a specific task. * Apps are prohibited from requesting full chat transcripts, broad contextual data "just in case," or sensitive personal data. * Any action that sends data outside ChatGPT or modifies external systems must be clearly labeled and require user confirmation. * Apps must not reconstruct or infer a user's full chat history and must avoid undisclosed tracking or profiling. What OpenAI has not clarified publicly: * Whether OpenAI itself retains or logs the data passed between ChatGPT and third‑party apps. * Whether data exchanged with apps can be used for model training or internal analytics. * How long, if at all, OpenAI stores metadata or interaction traces related to app usage. As a result, while OpenAI emphasizes strong guardrails for developers and transparency for users, it has not explicitly detailed OpenAI's own role as a data processor in app interactions. That ambiguity has already drawn scrutiny and remains an open issue as the app ecosystem expands. The bigger picture With app submissions now open and an App Directory live, ChatGPT is no longer just a conversational AI -- it's becoming a distribution platform for AI‑native software. Developers get access to a massive built‑in audience, while users gain tools that can be discovered and used at the moment they're needed, directly inside a conversation. OpenAI describes this as "just the beginning." But with the infrastructure now in place, the shift from chatbot to app ecosystem is officially underway.

The connector era is over: you can now submit ChatGPT apps to OpenAI

OpenAI says app submissions are open now, with the first approved apps rolling out gradually in the new year. OpenAI is opening a new publishing pipeline for apps that run inside ChatGPT, and it is pairing it with a ChatGPT app directory so users can actually find what gets built. For everyday users, the value is convenience. Instead of tracking down integrations elsewhere, you'll be able to browse featured apps or search for one by name, then use it in the same chat where you're already working. Recommended Videos For developers, this is also a directional call. If you were thinking in terms of connectors, OpenAI is steering attention to apps as the main way to extend what ChatGPT can do. Submissions and review start now Apps are submitted through the OpenAI Developer Platform for review and publication. The submission flow covers the practical storefront stuff, including directory listing details, testing guidance, and country availability settings. If your app relies on MCP, the process also includes MCP connectivity information. OpenAI is trying to keep quality consistent across whatever lands in the directory. It is shipping an Apps SDK in beta, plus guidance on what makes a strong ChatGPT app, example apps, an open-source UI library, and a quickstart. The expectation is "chat-native" tools that do one job well, not a messy bundle of features. Discovery moves into the chat The directory is designed to live where the work happens. You can access it inside ChatGPT through the tools menu, and it is also available on the web at chatgpt.com/apps. Once you connect an app, you can run it again by @ mentioning it by name, or by picking it from the tools menu. OpenAI is also testing ways to surface relevant apps inside a conversation using signals like context, app usage patterns, and user preferences, alongside feedback controls. Monetization is limited, for now At launch, OpenAI's guidance points developers toward linking out to their own sites or native apps to complete transactions for physical goods. It also says it is exploring more monetization options over time, including digital goods. If apps add value for you, check out what the best AI chatbots can offer. The practical takeaway: users should start with one app that replaces a real routine and see if it saves steps. Developers should ship something narrow, submit early, and plan for iteration once the directory rollout begins and real usage shows what sticks.

A Look Inside ChatGPT's New 'App Store'

Earlier this year, OpenAI announced ChatGPT apps. Not the ChatGPT app, mind you: That's been out for more than a couple years now. ChatGPT apps, on the other hand, are programs that work within ChatGPT. You can access them in any given conversation with ChatGPT -- in fact, they may appear based on the context of the conversation. These aren't necessarily apps that OpenAI builds itself, either; rather, you'll find options here based on apps you may use yourself. The initial batch of apps included with the feature's rollout included Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, Spotify, and Zillow -- big apps you've likely used before. While in a conversation with ChatGPT, you could ask the bot to help you book a flight to Paris via Expedia, find a particular listing through Zillow, or create a slide for a presentation with Canva. From OpenAI's perspective, this adds a host of additional functionality to ChatGPT the company couldn't offer itself. OpenAI doesn't need to build an apartment-hunting tool into ChatGPT; it can just pull in Zillow. It also doesn't escape me that the more apps that OpenAI folds into ChatGPT, the less likely it is you'll need to leave ChatGPT to do something in another app -- but that's none of my business. Speaking of more apps, the company plans to expand these apps overtime, as developers create ChatGPT-compatible extensions for their programs. That was part of yesterday's news: OpenAI is now letting developers submit apps to ChatGPT en masse. What's more, these apps will be hosted in an "app directory," though many online are taking to calling it an app store. (There's no payment necessary, however, so app directory might really be a more apt description.) You'll find this new app directory in the sidebar of ChatGPT, appropriately called "Apps." Apps is apparently in beta, according to a label affixed to its title in ChatGPT. Here, you'll find a rotating slide featuring an ad for some of the service's biggest apps, like Canva and Zillow, and, below it, rows of apps to choose from. Right now, the apps are sorted into "Featured," "Lifestyle," and "Productivity," with no option that includes all the apps. (But they seem to be entirely split across Lifestyle and Productivity.) There are a lot of options here already. Some made headlines this week, like Photoshop and Apple Music, while others arrived more quietly, like Asana, Uber, and Target. It's not just traditional apps like Zillow or Spotify that are getting the app treatment here, either. OpenAI is also considering "connector" services, like Google Drive, as "apps." You can click on any app in the directory to see what you can do with it. Slack, for example, says you can look up your chats and messages to summarize threads, generate recaps, and come up with responses. You can check on your Asana tasks to generate progress reports and status updates. Outlook says you can create "talking points" and generate follow-ups from your emails and calendar events. While there's a brief summary underneath each title, you'll need to click through to each service to see the full picture of what it actually offers. Here are the apps I'm seeing at this time. Just note this might not be a complete list, especially as OpenAI continues to add more apps to the service: If you're an avid ChatGPT user and frequently switch between it and any of the apps on this list, there might be some utility here. Maybe coders will find the integration with Hugging Face and Lovable to be beneficial, while Photoshop users might take advantage of the AI image editing tools this integration provides. But I'm still left feeling like this is more gimmick than anything else: I don't need to connect my Slack to ChatGPT to generate follow-ups for me: I'm perfectly capable of responding to emails myself, and managing my own calendar, so no need to connect Outlook or another email client to the bot. Maybe a future update will sell me on connecting generative AI to all aspects of my work and personal life, but so far, I'm still not convinced.

OpenAI might change app design forever

When Apple launched the App Store in 2008, it was impossibly influential to the future of the internet. The all-powerful world wide web was sliced and diced into bite-sized apps oft-dubbed Web 2.0. What followed was not just software that fit in your pocket. From TikTok to Uber, these camera-wielding, GPS-integrated, cloud-connected platforms changed the way we lived. Now, in the wake of AI, the app store is arising anew. But instead of being built as tappable icons inside a mobile OS, they are plugging directly into the conversations of LLMs like Microsoft CoPilot and Anthropic's Claude. Today, OpenAI -- the largest AI platform with 800 million weekly users -- is opening ChatGPT for any developer to integrate their app right into the flow of conversation. Following a pilot earlier this year, now any developer can plug in their own apps to be suggested contextually during any chat, or summoned by a user by @'ing their specific name. Early partners like Adobe will let you edit images right in the flow of conversation (complete with sliders to tweak them), while Target will pull up any manner of product to buy. No matter your feelings on AI, the tools seemed destined to change the way we think about apps and even multitasking, by shifting us from software based upon nouns (Canva, Figma) to verbs ("build a slide deck").

OpenAI Launches ChatGPT App Store | PYMNTS.com

By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. The ChatGPT app store, accessible via the tools menu in ChatGPT or at chatgpt.com/apps, includes integrations that span utilities such as music playback, food ordering, research assistance and more, integrating services from major brands directly into the AI chat experience. Apps are not simple plugins; they bring context and action into conversations, enabling tasks like creating playlists, ordering groceries or browsing real-estate listings without switching platforms. This launch comes after a broader rollout of the ChatGPT Apps SDK earlier in 2025, which invited developers to build and test "chat-native" applications that respond to natural language and engage users within the conversational flow, extending ChatGPT's role from answering queries to facilitating workflows, as reported by PYMNTS. At the heart of the app store is the OpenAI Apps SDK, a developer toolkit that builds on the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and allows external service providers to embed structured logic and interfaces into ChatGPT itself. Developers can now design applications that react contextually to user prompts, display interactive elements, and operate within a unified AI experience instead of siloed environments. Verified developers can submit apps for review through the OpenAI Developer Platform. Submitted applications undergo a quality and safety review process; those that meet the guidelines can be published in the App Directory and become discoverable to the global ChatGPT user base. OpenAI has also published detailed app submission guidelines, example apps and an open-sourced UI library to assist developers in building experiences that are intuitive within chat. Apps can be triggered during conversations when users call them by name or select them through the tools interface. OpenAI is experimenting with ways to surface contextually relevant apps based on conversational signals like intent, usage patterns and user preferences. While developers can currently link out from apps to complete transactions on external sites or native mobile applications, OpenAI is exploring new monetization methods over time, including the sale of digital goods and in-app commerce features, though specifics remain under development. For users, the ChatGPT app store means access to specialized tools and services without downloading standalone software. Instead of switching between native mobile apps or browser tabs, users can perform tasks like listening to curated playlists, ordering food or planning travel, all within the same chat interface. This "AI-centric" user experience reduces friction and reimagines digital task flow around conversational intent. According to PYMNTS Intelligence data, nearly one-third of surveyed consumers say they would allow an AI agent to help with everyday planning and organization. Early apps in the directory include integrations from Spotify, DoorDash, Zillow and Apple Music.

ChatGPT app marketplace explained: How it works, what developers gain

OpenAI ChatGPT app submissions explained benefits discovery monetisation for developers ChatGPT is no longer just a destination for conversations. With OpenAI now allowing developers to submit apps directly to ChatGPT, the platform is evolving into a full-fledged application marketplace, one where AI-powered tools live inside the chat experience itself. For users, this means access to specialised apps without leaving ChatGPT. For developers, it opens up a new distribution channel backed by one of the fastest-growing consumer AI platforms in the world. At its core, the ChatGPT app marketplace is OpenAI's attempt to turn ChatGPT into an ecosystem rather than a single product. Instead of users juggling multiple websites, plugins, or browser extensions, apps can now be discovered, launched, and used directly within ChatGPT conversations. These apps range from productivity tools and data analysis workflows to design helpers and developer utilities. Also read: ChatGPT is king of AI in India: Gemini, Perplexity lag far behind in daily users Developers build apps using OpenAI's Apps SDK, which allows them to define how their tool behaves, what inputs it accepts, and how it responds within a chat-based interface. Once an app is ready, developers can submit it for review through OpenAI's developer platform. After approval, the app becomes discoverable inside ChatGPT's app directory. Users can browse apps by category or invoke them contextually during a conversation. Instead of opening a separate interface, the app operates inside the chat itself, responding to user prompts and exchanging information seamlessly with ChatGPT. This tight integration is the key difference from traditional app stores. The AI acts as both the interface and the orchestrator, passing relevant context to the app when needed. OpenAI also places emphasis on safety and quality. Submitted apps go through a review process that checks for policy compliance, security issues, and overall reliability. This ensures that apps interacting with user conversations meet a baseline standard before reaching a wide audience. The biggest incentive for developers is distribution. ChatGPT has hundreds of millions of users, and the app marketplace offers direct access to this audience without the usual friction of downloads, installations, or user onboarding. If an app solves a real problem, users can start using it instantly inside a conversation. Also read: AI won't replace humans: Google to OpenAI, big tech CEOs agree Discovery is another major benefit. Instead of relying entirely on external marketing or search engine rankings, apps can surface organically when users look for relevant tools within ChatGPT. This lowers the barrier for smaller developers and startups that may not have large marketing budgets. There is also the promise of monetisation. While OpenAI's long-term revenue model for apps is still evolving, the marketplace sets the stage for paid features, subscriptions, or usage-based pricing in the future. For developers, this creates a potential business pathway that is native to the ChatGPT ecosystem rather than bolted on externally. Finally, developers gain access to richer context. Apps can work with user intent, conversation history, and AI-driven reasoning, allowing them to deliver smarter, more adaptive experiences than traditional standalone software. In effect, the ChatGPT app marketplace is less about competing with mobile app stores and more about redefining how software is discovered and used. For developers willing to build conversational-first tools, it represents an early opportunity to shape what the next generation of applications looks like.