OpenAI has announced the integration of a “new generation of apps” that users can interact with directly inside ChatGPT, alongside a new Apps software development kit (SDK) now available in preview.
In a blog post on Monday, the company said the apps naturally integrate into conversations, enabling users to discover and utilise them by name or through ChatGPT’s suggestions during chats
“Apps respond to natural language and include interactive interfaces you can use right in the chat,” OpenAI said.
The organisation said the new feature is designed to help users create, learn, and achieve more within the ChatGPT environment.
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“For developers, building with the Apps SDK makes it possible to reach over 800 million ChatGPT users at just the right time,” it added.
OpenAI said apps are now available to all logged-in ChatGPT users outside the European Union across the “free, go, plus, and pro plans”.
According to blog post, the first set of pilot partners include Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, Spotify, and Zillow, all of which are available in English in markets where their services are offered.
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The company stated that more pilot partners would launch later this year, with plans to bring their apps to EU users soon.
OpenAI said developers can begin building and testing apps using the Apps SDK preview, which is built on the open model context protocol (MCP) standard.
Developers, the firm said, can design both the logic and interface of their apps, connect them directly to their backend systems, and let existing customers log in or access premium features.
“We’ve published documentation including design guidelines and an open-source repo of examples to help developers design experiences that blend interaction and conversation,” the company said.
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The company also disclosed plans to begin accepting app submissions later this year, promising to share details on how developers can monetise their apps.
Explaining how apps work in ChatGPT, OpenAI said users can simply start a chat message with an app name, such as “Spotify, make a playlist for my party this Friday,” and ChatGPT will surface the app with relevant context.
The firm said ChatGPT can also recommend apps when they are relevant to a user’s conversation, such as suggesting Zillow when users are discussing buying a new home.
“The magic of this new generation of apps in ChatGPT is how they blend familiar interactive elements—like maps, playlists and presentations—with new ways of interacting through conversation,” the company stated.
John Weisberg, head of AI at Zillow, said, the Zillow app in ChatGPT shows the power of AI to make real estate feel more human.
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“Together with OpenAI, we’re bringing a first-of-its-kind experience to millions — a conversational guide that makes finding a home faster, easier, and more intuitive,” Weisberg was quoted as saying.
OpenAI also disclosed that 11 additional partners, including Khan Academy, Uber, TripAdvisor, Instacart, and DoorDash, will launch apps later this year.
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The company emphasised that every app must comply with OpenAI’s usage policies, privacy standards, and partner rules for third-party integrations.
“Developers must also include clear privacy policies, collect only the minimum data they need, and be transparent about permissions,” OpenAI stated.
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The company said ChatGPT will prompt users to connect with an app the first time they use it so they can understand what data may be shared.
The organisation also said it plans to introduce more granular data controls later this year, allowing users to decide what information each app can access.
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