News
Key Takeaways
- ChatGPT now integrates a dedicated app directory across platforms.
- Developers can submit, review and publish apps within ChatGPT.
- Enterprise users gain streamlined workflows while developers access new distribution channels.
OpenAI is betting that the next frontier for ChatGPT lies in becoming a platform, not just a product.
On Dec. 17, 2025, the company launched an app directory inside ChatGPT, enabling users to connect third-party applications directly within conversations. The directory is available on iOS, Android and web, with apps organized into Featured, Lifestyle and Productivity categories.
According to the company, "Apps extend ChatGPT conversations by bringing in new context and letting users take action like order groceries, turn an outline into a slide deck or search for an apartment." Initial integrations include Apple Music, Google Drive, Booking.com, Spotify, Dropbox and DoorDash.
OpenAI also opened the platform to developers, who can now submit apps for review and publication. The company released developer resources including best practices, open-source example apps and a quickstart guide, building on the software developer kit introduced in October.
Table of Contents
- ChatGPT App Store Capabilities: What's New
- How OpenAI Is Building a Broader AI Empire
- The New AI App Economy Is Here
- About OpenAI: Company Snapshot
ChatGPT App Store Capabilities: What's New
ChatGPT previously had in-chat apps available in preview or limited availability via the Apps SDK preview. Before this week:
- Apps/tools could be invoked in certain contexts
- Many features were grayed as previews OR
- They were limited to specific plans
Now:
- There's in-ChatGPT browsing and discovery of apps
- Apps show up as entries you can search, click on and use.
"Over time, we want apps in ChatGPT to feel like a natural extension of the conversation, helping people move from ideas to action, while building a thriving ecosystem for developers," said OpenAI officials.
Here’s what the new app store unlocks for both users and developers:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| App Directory | Browse and connect apps across iOS, Android and web |
| @ Mention Access | Invoke connected apps within conversations using @ mentions |
| Apple Music Integration | Find music, create playlists and manage libraries via chat |
| DoorDash Integration | Convert recipes and meal plans into shopping carts |
| Developer Submission | Submit apps for review and publication in ChatGPT |
Related Article: The 8 Biggest Takeaways From the OpenAI State of Enterprise AI Report
How OpenAI Is Building a Broader AI Empire
OpenAI executed a series of major acquisitions and infrastructure partnerships throughout 2024 and 2025 to expand its AI capabilities and market reach.
The company acquired experimentation platform Statsig in September 2025 for $1.1 billion, with founder Vijaye Raji joining as CTO of Applications. In December 2025, OpenAI acquired Neptune for under $400 million to enhance model governance and training capabilities.
OpenAI diversified its cloud infrastructure through major partnerships. The company signed a $38 billion cloud contract with Amazon Web Services in November 2025. This followed a restructured agreement with Microsoft in October 2025 that allows both parties to independently pursue AI innovation.
On the product front, OpenAI launched its o3 "thinking" models in Q2 2025 and completed a recapitalization in October 2025, forming a public benefit corporation.
The New AI App Economy Is Here
Third-party app integration is accelerating across conversational AI platforms as enterprises shift from experimentation to production deployment.
Usage Surges — and So Does Developer Interest
The conversational AI landscape grew dramatically in 2025. ChatGPT users sent 5x more messages than in 2024, totaling 18 billion weekly. Enterprise adoption of AI in at least one business function increased from 55% to 72% between 2023 and 2024.
Off-the-Shelf vs. Custom AI: Where the Market’s Headed
The market also shows a notable shift toward purchasing third-party applications. Research indicates a bifurcating landscape:
- Off-the-shelf solutions serve common use cases in sectors like CPG customer service
- Proprietary builds remain dominant in heavily regulated sectors such as finance and healthcare
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About OpenAI: Company Snapshot
Founded in 2015, OpenAI targets enterprise technology leaders and developers with AI solutions designed to prioritize safety and broad societal benefit. The company is headquartered in San Francisco. OpenAI offers large language models such as GPT, as well as APIs for natural language processing, code generation and image creation.
