Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
OpenAI opened its ChatGPT App Directory on Wednesday (Dec. 17), which is a marketplace of third-party applications that run directly within the ChatGPT interface. The move allows developers to submit apps for review and publication, and users to discover and use those apps without leaving ChatGPT, shifting how digital services and AI interactions can be delivered and monetized.
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The ChatGPT app store, accessible via the tools menu in ChatGPT or at chatgpt.com/apps, includes integrations that span utilities such as music playback, food ordering, research assistance and more, integrating services from major brands directly into the AI chat experience. Apps are not simple plugins; they bring context and action into conversations, enabling tasks like creating playlists, ordering groceries or browsing real-estate listings without switching platforms.
This launch comes after a broader rollout of the ChatGPT Apps SDK earlier in 2025, which invited developers to build and test “chat-native” applications that respond to natural language and engage users within the conversational flow, extending ChatGPT’s role from answering queries to facilitating workflows, as reported by PYMNTS.
At the heart of the app store is the OpenAI Apps SDK, a developer toolkit that builds on the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and allows external service providers to embed structured logic and interfaces into ChatGPT itself. Developers can now design applications that react contextually to user prompts, display interactive elements, and operate within a unified AI experience instead of siloed environments.
Verified developers can submit apps for review through the OpenAI Developer Platform. Submitted applications undergo a quality and safety review process; those that meet the guidelines can be published in the App Directory and become discoverable to the global ChatGPT user base.
OpenAI has also published detailed app submission guidelines, example apps and an open-sourced UI library to assist developers in building experiences that are intuitive within chat.
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Apps can be triggered during conversations when users call them by name or select them through the tools interface. OpenAI is experimenting with ways to surface contextually relevant apps based on conversational signals like intent, usage patterns and user preferences.
While developers can currently link out from apps to complete transactions on external sites or native mobile applications, OpenAI is exploring new monetization methods over time, including the sale of digital goods and in-app commerce features, though specifics remain under development.
For users, the ChatGPT app store means access to specialized tools and services without downloading standalone software. Instead of switching between native mobile apps or browser tabs, users can perform tasks like listening to curated playlists, ordering food or planning travel, all within the same chat interface.
This “AI-centric” user experience reduces friction and reimagines digital task flow around conversational intent. According to PYMNTS Intelligence data, nearly one-third of surveyed consumers say they would allow an AI agent to help with everyday planning and organization.
Early apps in the directory include integrations from Spotify, DoorDash, Zillow and Apple Music.
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