OpenAI has introduced a new feature that lets users access third-party apps directly within ChatGPT. Now, when you’re chatting, ChatGPT can suggest apps or you can ask for specific ones by name. This makes it easier to do things like browsing data, creating visuals, booking travel, or managing work tools—all without leaving the chat window.

ChatGPT Becomes an App Hub Inside Your Conversations

This new setup turns ChatGPT into more than just a chat assistant. It’s evolving into a sort of operating layer where different apps and services can live inside the chat. Think of it like an operating system, but for conversation. You can talk to ChatGPT and, based on what you need, it can bring in apps to help out—whether it’s planning a trip or checking your schedule. Experts say this move makes ChatGPT more like a mini-platform that organizes tasks based on your intent rather than complex commands.

Developers Can Build Inside ChatGPT With the New SDK

A big part of this update is the new Apps SDK. It’s a set of tools that developers can use to create apps that work inside ChatGPT. Built on an open standard called the Model Context Protocol, it connects ChatGPT to external data sources and tools. Developers can build apps that not only interact within chat but also access data, trigger actions, and show interactive screens. Plus, users who subscribe can log into these apps directly through the chat window. OpenAI even plans to let developers monetize their apps with features like instant checkout, all inside ChatGPT.

The SDK is open source, which means anyone can build and deploy their own apps for ChatGPT on any platform that supports the standard. This opens up huge possibilities, giving developers access to over 800 million users. According to analysts, removing the complexity of reaching so many users is a game changer. Instead of building a separate app store, ChatGPT becomes a marketplace right inside the chat.

What Are the Limits and Risks?

Even though this is exciting, it’s still in the testing phase. Developers should expect some constraints, like limited options for customizing the chat interface and restrictions on how much data they can access. Things like user identity and privacy are tightly controlled by OpenAI’s protocols, so apps won’t have full access to personal information unless explicitly allowed.

There are also risks to consider. Relying on OpenAI’s evolving policies means developers need to stay flexible. Competition from partner apps and strict security rules—especially for business or regulated users—are other challenges. These hurdles mean that, while opportunities are huge, developers need to plan carefully.

Looking ahead, OpenAI plans to launch dedicated app directories for ChatGPT Business, Enterprise, and Education versions later this year. These will let organizations browse and add apps that meet certain standards. Higher-quality apps may even be featured more prominently, helping companies integrate their internal tools into chat conversations. This could lead to a new era where internal processes—like HR, IT support, or analytics—are handled through simple, policy-driven chat interfaces, making workflows more seamless and efficient.

All in all, these updates could really reshape how we use AI, turning ChatGPT into a flexible, app-powered platform that’s useful for everyone from casual users to big businesses.

Inspired by

• https://www.infoworld.com/article/4068763/chatgpt-to-evolve-into-an-ai-operating-system-as-openai-opens-doors-to-third-party-apps.html

Sources

• gmpg.org
• openai.com
• podigee.com
• podigee.com