Jordan Bevan
OpenAI has opened app submissions for ChatGPT, allowing developers to apply for review and potential publication of their apps within the chatbot. The move formalizes the launch of an in-chat app directory, giving users a centralized place to discover and access third-party tools directly from ChatGPT’s interface.
The company first previewed apps for ChatGPT earlier this year, positioning them as a way to extend conversations with external services and actions. Initial integrations from well-known platforms such as Expedia, Spotify, Zillow, and Canva demonstrated how users could complete tasks or retrieve information without leaving a chat. With submissions now open, OpenAI is expanding access to a broader developer base.
Apps are designed to add context and functionality to conversations, enabling actions such as organizing information, generating content formats, or searching external databases. Developers can build these tools using OpenAI’s Apps SDK, which remains in beta and is intended to support chat-native experiences rather than traditional standalone applications.
Once an app is ready, developers can submit it through the OpenAI Developer Platform, where they can manage review status, provide technical and metadata details, and define regional availability. OpenAI said the first approved apps will begin rolling out gradually in the coming year, with some potentially receiving greater visibility in the directory based on usage and feedback.
The new app directory is accessible from ChatGPT’s tools menu and via a dedicated web page. Users can browse featured apps, search by name, or be prompted with relevant apps during conversations. Apps can also be triggered by mentioning them directly in chat or selecting them manually.
In its initial phase, OpenAI is allowing developers to link users out to external websites or native apps to complete transactions for physical goods. Broader monetization options, including support for digital goods, are under consideration but have not yet been finalized.
OpenAI said all submitted apps must comply with its safety, privacy, and transparency requirements. Developers are required to disclose data usage practices, request only necessary information, and provide clear privacy policies. Users retain control over connected apps and can revoke access at any time.
The company framed the launch as an early step toward building a larger ecosystem around ChatGPT, with plans to refine discovery, expand developer tools, and introduce additional ways for apps to reach users as the platform evolves.
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