OpenAI Unveils In-Chat Apps for ChatGPT: What Businesses Need to Know
OpenAI Introduces In-Chat Apps for ChatGPT Users and Developers
OpenAI has announced a significant upgrade to ChatGPT: the ability to run interactive applications directly within the chat interface. This update paves the way for both users and developers to experience a more dynamic, productive, and personalized AI assistant.
What’s New: Apps Inside ChatGPT
Starting this week, ChatGPT users will have access to apps from popular companies including:
- Spotify
- Figma
- Coursera
- Zillow
- Canva
These integrations mean you can now perform tasks like designing diagrams in Figma, generating playlists with Spotify, or learning new skills on Coursera—all without leaving your ChatGPT conversation.
For Developers: Apps SDK Preview
OpenAI is also rolling out a preview of its Apps SDK, enabling developers to create their own applications for ChatGPT. This opens up new opportunities to reach users directly inside the chat environment, rather than relying on a separate app store or marketplace.
How It Works
- Call Apps by Name: Users can summon apps by simply mentioning them. For example, say "Figma, turn this sketch into a workable diagram," or "Coursera, teach me about machine learning."
- Contextual Suggestions: ChatGPT can recommend relevant apps based on your needs—like suggesting Spotify when you ask for a party playlist.
- Interactive Features: Apps can display interactive UIs, trigger actions, and even show videos within ChatGPT, offering a seamless, multimedia experience.
Business Benefits and Future Monetization
For business owners and developers, this is a chance to deliver services and tools directly within ChatGPT’s rapidly growing ecosystem. OpenAI also announced plans to support monetization for these apps, including integration with their new Instant Checkout feature. This could allow businesses to earn revenue from their ChatGPT apps as the platform matures.
Technology Behind the Scenes
The new system is powered by the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which connects data sources to AI systems and enables rich, adaptive experiences inside ChatGPT. Apps can now render fully interactive components and respond to user feedback in real time.
Getting Started
If you’re already a subscriber to a supported product, you can log in within ChatGPT to unlock premium features. Developers interested in building apps should check out the Apps SDK preview to start creating in-chat experiences.
Conclusion
This update marks a major step towards making ChatGPT a central productivity tool for both individuals and businesses. With in-chat apps, users can streamline workflows, access services instantly, and enjoy a more interactive AI experience—while developers and companies can tap into new distribution and monetization channels.
