Why You Care
Ever wish your AI assistant could do more than just chat? Imagine asking ChatGPT to book your next trip or design a graphic, and it actually does it. OpenAI just made that a reality, launching apps inside of ChatGPT.
This isn’t just a small update; it fundamentally changes how you interact with AI. It transforms ChatGPT from a conversational tool into a dynamic system. How will this new capability change your daily digital life?
What Actually Happened
OpenAI announced a significant expansion at its annual DevDay 2025 conference. They are now allowing developers to build and integrate applications directly within ChatGPT. According to the announcement, users can access interactive apps from major companies. These include Booking.com, Expedia, Spotify, Figma, Coursera, Zillow, and Canva.
What’s more, OpenAI launched a preview of the Apps SDK (Software creation Kit) on Monday. This set of tools is specifically for developers to build these new integrated apps. The company reports that this new system is designed to create a environment around its flagship AI product. This differs from previous attempts, like the GPT Store. The key distinction is that these new apps are embedded directly into ChatGPT’s responses. They can be called up in everyday conversations, making the user experience much smoother.
Why This Matters to You
This integration means a more and ChatGPT experience for you. You won’t need to switch between different platforms to get things done. Think of it as your AI assistant gaining superpowers, directly connected to the tools you already use.
For example, imagine you’re planning a trip. You could ask ChatGPT, “Expedia, find me flights to Paris next month under $800.” The Expedia app would then surface options directly in your chat. This saves you time and streamlines your workflow. How much more productive could you be with these tools at your fingertips?
Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, highlighted the vision behind this move. He stated, “We want ChatGPT to be a great way for people to make progress, to be more productive, more inventive, to learn faster, to do whatever they’re trying to do in their lives better.” This initiative aims to deliver on that promise by making ChatGPT a central hub for various tasks.
Here’s a look at some benefits:
- Increased Efficiency: Complete tasks like booking or designing without leaving ChatGPT.
- Personalized Interactions: Apps adapt to your specific conversational context.
- Broader Utility: Access a wider range of services directly through natural language.
- Developer Opportunities: New avenues for creating integrated AI experiences.
The Surprising Finding
The most surprising aspect of this announcement isn’t just the existence of apps. It’s the way OpenAI is handling app discovery and interaction. Unlike the previous GPT Store, which required users to navigate a separate marketplace, these new apps are deeply embedded. The documentation indicates that users can simply call out an app by name within a conversation. For instance, you could say, “Figma, turn this sketch into a workable diagram.” This is a significant shift towards intuitive, context-aware interaction.
Even more interesting, ChatGPT will proactively suggest relevant apps. If you ask for a party playlist, the system might automatically call up the Spotify app. This challenges the common assumption that users always know exactly which tool they need. Instead, ChatGPT anticipates your needs, making the experience feel more like a true intelligent assistant. This move could fundamentally change how we discover and use digital services.
What Happens Next
This new apps inside of ChatGPT functionality is rolling out now, starting with a preview of the Apps SDK for developers. We can expect to see more integrated applications emerge over the next several months. Developers will likely begin experimenting with the SDK immediately. This will lead to a broader range of available services by early to mid-2026.
For example, imagine a student asking ChatGPT for help with a research paper. The Coursera app could then suggest relevant courses or tutorials directly within the chat. This could make learning more dynamic and accessible. For you, this means a continuously expanding collection of capabilities within ChatGPT. The company reports that this initiative will foster a new generation of interactive and personalized applications. The team revealed that this approach offers developers better distribution for their creations. This ensures a richer experience for users within ChatGPT.