OpenAI is building its own version of an app store, a move that could threaten industry stalwarts like Apple and Google.
At its DevDay event on Monday, the AI giant announced it’s bringing apps inside ChatGPT — which CEO Sam Altman said now has 800 million weekly users. OpenAI also unveiled an app software development kit (SDK) that allows developers to build their own apps for ChatGPT. These features all allow ChatGPT to function more like an app store.
The first time users mention an app in ChatGPT, they’ll be prompted to connect and choose what data to share. Users can chat with apps using natural language — such as asking Spotify to create a playlist or Zillow to display specific types of properties — with the results appearing in ChatGPT.
“This will enable a new generation of apps that are interactive, adaptive, and personalized — that you can chat with,” Altman said. “We hope this will be a big deal for helping developers rapidly scale products.”
OpenAI said it will accept app submissions for “review and publication” later this year, when it will also offer “details on how developers can monetize their apps.” This will include OpenAI’s new commerce functionality, Altman said, which allows users to buy things on ChatGPT.
App stores, which generate revenue by taking a cut of purchases, have become a substantial source of income for both Apple and Google.
In addition, OpenAI is launching a directory where users can browse apps, and those that “meet higher standards for design and functionality” will be featured more prominently both in the directory and in ChatGPT, Altman said.
App partners at launch include Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, Spotify, and Zillow. More will roll out later this year, including AllTrails, Khan Academy, Instacart, Peloton, Target, Tripadvisor, and Uber, the company said.
