OpenAI has rolled out a new Apps beta for ChatGPT, allowing users to connect popular third-party services directly within chat conversations, marking a major step toward turning ChatGPT into an all-in-one digital assistant.
The new Apps beta works as an in-platform app directory rather than a traditional app store. Users can access connected services through simple prompts or by using the @ command during a conversation. OpenAI says the idea is to let ChatGPT naturally suggest relevant apps and help users complete tasks without leaving the platform.
Once an app is connected, ChatGPT can interact with it inside the chat. For example, users can access Adobe Photoshop tools while creating images, even if they do not already have a Photoshop account. OpenAI explained that apps enhance conversations by adding real-world context and enabling direct actions within ChatGPT.
The company has also opened the platform to developers by introducing an Apps SDK in beta. This allows developers to build chat-first experiences designed specifically for conversational use. According to OpenAI, these integrations bring both context and action into a single workflow, making interactions faster and more practical.
While some observers have compared the App’s beta to an app store, OpenAI currently describes it as an app directory and not a direct competitor to Google Play or Apple’s App Store. However, OpenAI hinted that future versions could help developers reach users more easily and potentially monetize their services.
Several apps are already available in ChatGPT. In music and entertainment, users can play mood-based or activity-specific music through Spotify and Apple Music. For food and groceries, ChatGPT can suggest recipes and connect users to DoorDash or Instacart to order ingredients.
In travel and bookings, users can plan trips and book hotels or flights through integrations with Expedia and Booking.com. For shopping and real estate, ChatGPT can help purchase recommended products via Target or browse property listings, view photos, and schedule tours through Zillow.
The launch of the Apps beta highlights OpenAI’s broader vision of transforming ChatGPT into a central hub for everyday digital tasks, combining conversation, discovery, and action in one place.
