OpenAI has officially opened the door for developers to bring their applications into ChatGPT, announcing Wednesday that app submissions are now open for review and potential publication. Alongside this move, the company unveiled a new app directory within ChatGPT’s tools menu—quickly being referred to as an “app store.”
The introduction of apps was first announced in October, with OpenAI positioning them as a way to significantly expand what users can do inside ChatGPT. Early integrations from major platforms such as Expedia, Spotify, Zillow, and Canva demonstrated how users could access third-party services directly within chat conversations. Now, OpenAI is broadening access, allowing a wider range of developers to participate.
“Apps extend ChatGPT conversations by bringing in new context and letting users take actions like ordering groceries, turning an outline into a slide deck, or searching for an apartment,” OpenAI said in its announcement.
Developers can build these experiences using OpenAI’s Apps SDK, which remains in beta. Once ready, apps can be submitted through the OpenAI Developer Platform, where creators can monitor the review and approval process. OpenAI noted that a growing number of approved apps will begin rolling out within ChatGPT over the coming year.
The launch marks a significant step in OpenAI’s efforts to build a robust app ecosystem within ChatGPT—giving users more reasons to engage with the platform while enabling developers to reach a large, active audience. On Wednesday evening, OpenAI also debuted the App Directory, making it easier for users to browse available tools and discover new interactive experiences that run directly inside ChatGPT’s interface.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman previously hinted at this direction, stating the company plans to “build the obvious features that you would expect for a robust platform over time.” Opening an app store represents a major milestone in that vision.
In addition, OpenAI has rebranded its existing “connectors”—which allow users to pull data from services like Google Drive and Dropbox—as apps. Chat connectors are now referred to as “apps with file search,” deep research connectors as “apps with deep research,” and synced connectors as “apps with sync.” OpenAI also noted that apps may use information from ChatGPT’s Memory feature, if enabled. For Free, Plus, Go, and Pro users, certain data may be used to train OpenAI’s models if the “improve the model for everyone” setting is turned on.