OpenAI has launched an in-ChatGPT app directory (often described as an app store) on web, iOS, and Android, letting people connect third-party services and use them without leaving the conversation. OpenAI says these apps can add context and enable actions such as ordering groceries, turning an outline into slides, or searching for an apartment, and it has also rebranded what it previously called “connectors” (like Google Drive integrations) as “apps”. Alongside the directory, OpenAI has opened submissions so third-party developers can build chat-native experiences with its Apps SDK (beta) and submit them for review under published guidelines. Several outlets frame the move as a step toward a larger ChatGPT ecosystem—one that could make the chatbot more practically useful day-to-day whi...
OpenAI has launched an in-ChatGPT app directory (often described as an app store) on web, iOS, and Android, letting people connect third-party services and use them without leaving the conversation. OpenAI says these apps can add context and enable actions such as ordering groceries, turning an outline into slides, or searching for an apartment, and it has also rebranded what it previously called “connectors” (like Google Drive integrations) as “apps”. Alongside the directory, OpenAI has opened submissions so third-party developers can build chat-native experiences with its Apps SDK (beta) and submit them for review under published guidelines. Several outlets frame the move as a step toward a larger ChatGPT ecosystem—one that could make the chatbot more practically useful day-to-day while giving developers a new distribution channel.
Highlights:
- How it works: After you choose an app, you authorize it to access ChatGPT, then you can call it during a conversation with an @ mention or from the tools menu.
- Directory layout: The new apps section is organized into categories including Featured, Lifestyle, and Productivity, with examples like Booking.com, Spotify, and Dropbox.
- Monetization today: OpenAI notes developers can monetize apps via link-outs for now, while some coverage highlights that broader monetization options may come later.
- Review and rollout: OpenAI says it will review third-party submissions for compliance with its guidelines, and approved apps will begin rolling out to users starting early 2026.
- Developer support: OpenAI is publishing build resources—best practices, example apps, an open-sourced UI library, and a quickstart guide—and will host a public “Build Hour” webinar on January 21 to walk developers through building and submitting apps.
Perspectives:
- OpenAI: OpenAI positions apps as a way to extend ChatGPT with added context and real actions (e.g., groceries, slide creation, apartment search), while shifting the product language from “connectors” to “apps.”. (Engadget)
- Developers and ecosystem watchers: Coverage describes the directory as OpenAI signaling it is “open for business” with a broader ecosystem, while also noting it is an app “directory” today rather than a full store with built-in payments or revenue sharing. (TechCrunch)
- Everyday users testing integrations: Hands-on reports say the new Apple Music app in ChatGPT can feel like conversational music discovery and playlist building, especially when starting from a mood or vague idea rather than a precise search query. (TechRadar)
Sources:
- ChatGPT launches an app store, lets developers know it’s open for business - TechCrunch - google.com
- ChatGPT launches an app store, lets developers know it’s open for business - techcrunch.com
- I tried the Apple Music app for ChatGPT, and it felt like talking to a music‑obsessed friend - techradar.com
- ChatGPT launches Apps beta: 8 big apps you can now use in ChatGPT - mashable.com
- We Had a Poke Around ChatGPT's New App Store. Here's What We Found - cnet.com
- OpenAI launches app store, making ChatGPT your digital assistant - knowtechie.com
- OpenAI now accepting ChatGPT app submissions from third-party devs, launches App Directory - venturebeat.com
- How to use ChatGPT with Apple Music when search comes up short - appleinsider.com
- ChatGPT Gets Its Own App Store - androidheadlines.com
- ChatGPT’s Apple Music Limited Integration Goes Live - redmondpie.com
- OpenAI just launched an app store inside ChatGPT - engadget.com
- ChatGPT now lets you discover songs and create playlists in Apple Music - digitaltrends.com
- OpenAI launches app store in ChatGPT - mobilesyrup.com