ChatGPT App Store Goes Live for Developers
ChatGPT app store access is now officially open, answering one of the most common questions developers and businesses have been asking: Can I build and publish apps inside ChatGPT? OpenAI says yes. The company has launched a new app submission process and a built-in app directory that allows approved tools to appear directly inside ChatGPT conversations. This move signals OpenAI’s intent to turn ChatGPT into more than a chatbot, positioning it as a platform where users can take real actions without leaving the chat window.
Credit: Silas Stein/picture alliance / Getty ImagesWhat the ChatGPT App Store Actually Is
Despite the nickname, the ChatGPT app store isn’t a traditional mobile app marketplace. Instead, it lives inside ChatGPT’s tools menu, where users can discover and enable apps that extend what the chatbot can do. These apps allow ChatGPT to connect with external services, fetch live data, and perform tasks on behalf of users. By keeping everything within the conversation flow, OpenAI is betting on convenience and speed over downloads and separate logins.
Why OpenAI Is Opening ChatGPT to Apps Now
OpenAI first teased its app strategy in October, framing apps as a way to unlock more powerful and practical ChatGPT use cases. Since then, user expectations around AI assistants have shifted rapidly. People no longer want just answers; they want actions. Opening the ChatGPT app store now allows OpenAI to keep pace with competitors while encouraging developers to build tools that make ChatGPT stickier and more useful in daily life.
Big-Name Integrations Set the Tone
Early partners helped define what ChatGPT apps could look like in practice. Companies such as Expedia, Spotify, Zillow, and Canva announced integrations that let users plan trips, play music, search real estate listings, or design presentations directly through chat. These examples showed how apps could transform ChatGPT from a passive assistant into an active interface for services people already use. With the app store opening up, smaller developers now have a chance to compete on the same stage.
How ChatGPT Apps Enhance Conversations
According to OpenAI, apps are designed to “extend ChatGPT conversations” by adding context and enabling actions. That can mean ordering groceries, turning a rough outline into a polished slide deck, or finding an apartment that matches specific criteria. Instead of switching between tabs and apps, users can stay in a single conversation while tasks happen in the background. This approach aligns closely with how people naturally think and plan, making the experience feel more intuitive.
Inside the OpenAI Apps SDK
At the center of this expansion is the OpenAI Apps SDK, which remains in beta. The SDK provides developers with tools to build ChatGPT-compatible apps that can respond to prompts, call external APIs, and return structured results. OpenAI says the goal is to lower the barrier to entry while maintaining quality and safety. For developers, this means faster experimentation without having to build full standalone applications.
How Developers Can Submit Apps for Review
Once an app is ready, developers can submit it through the OpenAI Developer platform. From there, they can track approval status and respond to any feedback from OpenAI’s review process. Approved apps may then appear in the ChatGPT app store directory, making them discoverable to users. OpenAI has confirmed that a growing number of apps will begin launching inside ChatGPT over the coming year, suggesting a steady rollout rather than a one-time release.
What This Means for Developers and Startups
For developers, the ChatGPT app store represents a new distribution channel with massive reach. Instead of convincing users to download another app, builders can meet people where they already are—inside ChatGPT. This could be especially powerful for startups offering niche tools, productivity services, or data-driven insights. However, it also means competing on usefulness and trust, since poorly designed apps are unlikely to gain traction in a curated environment.
Why Users Are Likely to Benefit Most
From a user perspective, the biggest win is simplicity. The ChatGPT app store reduces friction by bringing services into a single conversational interface. Users don’t need to learn new layouts or workflows; they just describe what they want. As more apps become available, ChatGPT could evolve into a central hub for work, planning, shopping, and creativity, all powered by natural language.
A Strategic Move in the AI Platform Race
Opening the ChatGPT app store is also a strategic signal to the broader tech industry. OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT not just as an AI product, but as a platform others can build on. History suggests that platforms with strong developer ecosystems tend to grow faster and last longer. By inviting developers in early, OpenAI is laying the groundwork for long-term expansion and innovation.
What Comes Next for the ChatGPT App Store
While the app store is still in its early stages, its direction is clear. OpenAI wants ChatGPT to become an everyday tool that connects knowledge with action. As more apps launch and capabilities expand, users can expect richer, more personalized experiences. For developers, now is the moment to experiment, iterate, and establish a presence before the marketplace becomes crowded.
The Bigger Picture for ChatGPT’s Future
Ultimately, the ChatGPT app store marks a turning point in how people interact with AI. Instead of asking questions and receiving static answers, users can now get things done in real time. This shift could redefine expectations for digital assistants across the industry. By opening its doors to developers, OpenAI is signaling that ChatGPT’s future will be shaped not just by its own models, but by an entire ecosystem built around them.
