At DevDay 2025 on October 6, OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT Apps SDK, a revolutionary developer framework that transforms ChatGPT from a conversational AI into a full-fledged application platform. With access to over 800 million ChatGPT users, this SDK represents OpenAI’s most ambitious platform play yet—enabling developers to build interactive apps that live directly inside ChatGPT conversations.
The Platform Vision
Beyond Simple Chatbots
Unlike traditional chatbot plugins, ChatGPT Apps SDK enables developers to create fully interactive applications with rich UIs that respond to natural language commands and integrate seamlessly into ChatGPT conversations.
What Makes This Different:
- ✅ Interactive interfaces rendered directly in chat
- ✅ Natural language control for complex app functions
- ✅ Contextual suggestions from ChatGPT itself
- ✅ Seamless integration with conversational flow
- ✅ Action triggers that execute real-world tasks
Built on Model Context Protocol (MCP)
The Apps SDK is constructed as an open standard using the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which provides:
- Standardized data source connections to AI systems
- Action triggering capabilities
- Interactive UI rendering in chatbot responses
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Future-proof architecture for AI integrations
Launch Partners: Premium App Ecosystem
OpenAI has partnered with industry leaders to showcase the SDK’s capabilities:
Travel & Hospitality
- Booking.com: Search and book accommodations through natural conversation
- Expedia: Plan entire trips with AI-assisted travel recommendations
Productivity & Creativity
- Figma: Transform sketches into workable diagrams with voice commands
- Canva: Create and edit designs directly within ChatGPT
- Spotify: Control music playback and discover new content
Education & Real Estate
- Coursera: Access learning content and educational recommendations
- Zillow: Search properties and get real estate insights
Coming Soon
- DoorDash: Food ordering and delivery
- Instacart: Grocery shopping assistance
- Uber: Ride booking and tracking
- AllTrails: Hiking and outdoor activity planning
Developer Opportunity: 800M Users
Unprecedented Reach
Building with the Apps SDK provides immediate access to over 800 million ChatGPT users across multiple subscription tiers:
- Free tier users
- ChatGPT Go subscribers
- ChatGPT Plus subscribers
- ChatGPT Pro subscribers
This represents one of the largest user bases available to developers in the AI ecosystem.
Global Availability
Apps are currently available to all logged-in ChatGPT users outside the EU (regulatory considerations pending), providing massive global market access.
User Experience: Conversational App Control
Natural Language Invocation
Users can activate apps simply by typing their names in ChatGPT:
Example Commands:
- “Figma, turn this sketch into a workable diagram”
- “Coursera, can you teach me something about machine learning?”
- “Spotify, play some jazz music for studying”
- “Booking.com, find me a hotel in Tokyo for next week”
Proactive App Suggestions
ChatGPT can intelligently suggest relevant apps during conversations:
- User: “I need to book a hotel for my trip to Paris”
- ChatGPT: “I can help with that using Booking.com or Expedia. Which would you prefer?”
This contextual awareness creates a seamless, intuitive user experience.
Developer Onboarding and Tools
Getting Started
- Documentation: Visit OpenAI’s developer portal for comprehensive guides and API references
- Example Apps: Study sample implementations to understand best practices
- Developer Mode: Test apps using Developer Mode in ChatGPT before public release
- Submit for Review: Later in 2025, OpenAI will begin accepting app submissions
Technical Requirements
Developers building with the Apps SDK must:
- Minimize data collection: Only collect essential data needed for functionality
- Transparency: Clearly communicate permission requirements to users
- Privacy compliance: Adhere to OpenAI’s privacy and data usage policies
- User experience focus: Prioritize seamless integration and intuitive interactions
Monetization: The Future of App Economics
Planned Revenue Sharing
OpenAI has announced plans to support developer monetization of apps built with the SDK, though specific details remain forthcoming.
Instant Checkout Integration
A potential “Instant Checkout” feature could enable:
- In-app purchases directly within ChatGPT conversations
- Subscription management for premium app features
- Frictionless payment processing
- Revenue sharing between developers and OpenAI
Philosophy: Users First
OpenAI emphasizes it’s “prioritizing user experience over commercial interests,” suggesting a carefully balanced monetization approach that doesn’t compromise the conversational experience.
Technical Architecture
Model Context Protocol (MCP)
The foundation of the Apps SDK is MCP, which provides:
Data Source Connectivity:
- Connect databases, APIs, and services to AI systems
- Real-time data access and synchronization
- Secure authentication and authorization
Action Execution:
- Trigger real-world actions (bookings, purchases, content creation)
- Multi-step workflows
- Error handling and user confirmation flows
UI Rendering:
- Interactive components within chat interface
- Rich media display (images, videos, maps)
- Form inputs and user interactions
- Responsive design for different devices
Open Standard Advantage
By building on an open standard (MCP), OpenAI ensures:
- Interoperability with other AI systems
- Long-term sustainability independent of proprietary systems
- Developer flexibility in implementation choices
- Community contributions to protocol improvements
Comparison to Previous Plugins
Evolution from ChatGPT Plugins
The Apps SDK represents a significant evolution from OpenAI’s earlier plugin system:
Previous Plugins:
- Limited to simple API calls
- Text-based responses only
- Manual user activation
- Narrow functionality scope
New Apps SDK:
- Full interactive UI capabilities
- Rich media and interactive elements
- AI-suggested contextual activation
- Complex multi-step workflows
- Native integration with conversation flow
Use Cases Unlocked
Travel Planning
Scenario: “Plan a 5-day trip to Barcelona for two people in November”
ChatGPT can:
- Suggest destinations and activities
- Use Expedia/Booking.com to find flights and hotels
- Create itineraries with AllTrails for hiking
- Book restaurants via DoorDash/Uber Eats
- Provide real-time weather and packing suggestions
Creative Production
Scenario: “Help me create a presentation for our product launch”
ChatGPT can:
- Generate content outline and talking points
- Use Canva to create slide designs
- Use Figma to design product mockups
- Use Spotify to suggest background music
- Export and share the final presentation
Education & Skill Development
Scenario: “I want to learn web development”
ChatGPT can:
- Assess current skill level through conversation
- Use Coursera to recommend courses
- Create personalized learning paths
- Provide code examples and exercises
- Track progress and adjust recommendations
Real Estate & Relocation
Scenario: “I’m moving to Austin, Texas—help me find a home”
ChatGPT can:
- Understand preferences (budget, size, location)
- Use Zillow to search properties
- Provide neighborhood insights
- Calculate commute times with mapping
- Schedule viewings and connect with agents
Privacy and Security Considerations
Data Collection Minimization
OpenAI requires developers to:
- Collect only minimum necessary data
- Clearly state data usage purposes
- Implement secure data handling
- Provide transparency about permissions
User Control
Users maintain control over:
- Which apps have access to their data
- When apps can interact with conversations
- Permission revocation at any time
- Data deletion requests
Ongoing Questions
The developer and user communities are still seeking clarity on:
- Exact data access scopes for different app types
- Long-term data retention policies
- Third-party auditing and compliance verification
- Cross-border data transfer regulations (especially for EU)
Competitive Landscape
vs. Microsoft Copilot
- ChatGPT Apps SDK: Open to all developers, 800M user base, conversation-native
- Copilot: Microsoft ecosystem focus, enterprise-oriented, productivity tools
vs. Google Extensions (Gemini)
- ChatGPT Apps SDK: Third-party developer focus, open protocol (MCP)
- Gemini: Google services integration, limited third-party access
vs. Anthropic Claude (MCP Support)
- ChatGPT Apps SDK: Massive user base, established platform
- Claude: Also uses MCP, smaller user base, enterprise focus
ChatGPT’s 800M users provide an unmatched distribution advantage for developers.
Industry Impact
The AI Platform Wars
The Apps SDK signals OpenAI’s shift from AI model provider to platform operator, competing directly with:
- Apple App Store
- Google Play Store
- Microsoft Store
But with a unique advantage: AI-native app discovery and interaction through natural language.
Developer Ecosystem Growth
If successful, the Apps SDK could:
- Create thousands of new AI-native businesses
- Generate a new category of “conversational apps”
- Establish ChatGPT as the dominant AI application platform
- Drive significant developer mindshare away from traditional app stores
Impact on Traditional Apps
Traditional mobile and web apps may need to:
- Develop ChatGPT versions to remain competitive
- Redesign experiences for conversational interfaces
- Invest in natural language understanding
- Compete for user attention within ChatGPT
Timeline and Rollout
Current Status (October 2025)
- SDK Available: In preview for developers
- User Access: All logged-in users outside EU
- Launch Partners: Limited to ~10 initial partners
- Developer Mode: Available for testing
Later in 2025
- App Submissions: Review and publication process opens
- Monetization Details: Revenue sharing models announced
- Expanded Partners: Additional premium apps launched
- EU Availability: Pending regulatory clarity
2026 and Beyond (Expected)
- Thousands of third-party apps
- Advanced monetization features
- International expansion
- Enterprise-focused app marketplace
- AI agent integrations
Developer Considerations
Should You Build a ChatGPT App?
Strong Fit If:
- Your service benefits from conversational interfaces
- You serve consumers (vs. enterprise only)
- You want to reach 800M users quickly
- Your app complements AI-assisted workflows
- You’re building for mobile-first users
Consider Alternatives If:
- You need deep platform control
- Your business model conflicts with OpenAI’s policies
- You require complex native device integrations
- You serve highly regulated industries (pending clarity)
Best Practices for Success
- Design for conversation: Think in dialogue flows, not screens
- Minimize friction: Reduce confirmation steps where safe
- Leverage AI context: Use conversation history intelligently
- Test extensively: Use Developer Mode thoroughly before launch
- Prioritize privacy: Exceed minimum data protection requirements
Conclusion
The ChatGPT Apps SDK represents OpenAI’s boldest platform bet yet. By opening ChatGPT to developers and enabling interactive apps for 800 million users, OpenAI is positioning itself not just as an AI company, but as a platform operator that could reshape how people discover and use digital services.
The shift from search-and-download (traditional app stores) to ask-and-use (conversational apps) could be as transformative as the move from desktop to mobile. For developers, the opportunity is clear: reach a massive, engaged user base with AI-native experiences that feel magical compared to traditional apps.
As monetization details emerge and the app ecosystem grows, ChatGPT could become the primary distribution channel for a new generation of AI-first applications—making this SDK launch a potential inflection point in the evolution of software platforms.
The race to build the AI app ecosystem has officially begun—and OpenAI just took a commanding lead.
Stay updated on the latest AI platform developments and developer tools at AI Breaking.