ChatGPT Goes Beyond Chat: Introducing a Multi-App Ecosystem

Introduction

AI has been a cornerstone for how we interact with software, and OpenAI's ChatGPT has been leading the way. Initially, ChatGPT was known as a conversational model - ask a question and receive an answer. But now OpenAI has taken a major leap: ChatGPT is no longer just a conversational chatbot - it is evolving into a full app ecosystem.

This means ChatGPT is not only evolving from an AI chatbot that responds to questions in conversations, but it is also a host for creating and using third-party apps through ChatGPT, including Spotify, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Booking.com, Expedia, Zillow, and others, inside the chat. More to come in the future that's built into the system. With this evolution, ChatGPT is transitioning from a product to an ecosystem of apps - changing the way we interact with apps altogether.

In this blog, we will outline what changes are happening, how it works, the pros and cons, real-life applications, the larger context moving forward, and how it impacts software.

What's New with ChatGPT the App Platform?

1. Apps SDK and App Platform

Today at their 2025 DevDay, OpenAI revealed the Apps SDK (Software Development Kit) that enables developers to build interactive apps directly inside of ChatGPT! These apps are not mobile apps but run natively inside the chat.

2. Partner Apps

The first apps available inside ChatGPT include:

- Spotify- Ask for playlists, music, and podcasts

- Canva - Ask for quick designs or templates

- Coursera - Ask what learning resources and what courses might be available

- Figma - Ask what collaborative design projects might be in development

- Booking.com & Expedia - Ask for travel and hotel options

- Zillow - Ask for options to browse real estate

3. Functionality 

If you mention or request an application (e.g., "Canva, design a poster"), ChatGPT will call that app into the conversation. 

On your first visit, you may need to link your account and grant permissions. 

The app will open in ChatGPT with interactive previews inside the chat—like maps, playlist embeds, or design previews. 

If you want, you can continue the conversation as naturally as possible, even telling the app to make a change or build on its previous output without leaving the ChatGPT interface. 

Benefits and Opportunities

1. Integrated Experience

The ability to do everything you might require in one space, such as listen to music, create a design, plan a holiday, or find houses, instead of having to jump across various apps, makes for a much more seamless and natural experience for the user.

2. Quick Actions and Multitasking

Imagine you are planning an event: 

"Canva, create an invitation poster." 

"Spotify, make me a party playlist." 

"Expedia, show me hotels in Jaipur."

All of this is done in a single thread — no switching tabs or switching applications.

3. Developers Have New Opportunities

Developers have access to ChatGPT's massive user base (over 800 million people in the world). They are leveraging the Apps SDK to build new apps, submit the app in the App directory on ChatGPT, and monetize it. 

OpenAI also announced the Agentic Commerce Protocol so that apps can facilitate direct transactions — e.g., you could purchase a product or service within a chat.

4. A New Way to Make Money

Much like the Apple App Store/Google Play, OpenAI is establishing a precedent for an app marketplace, which could lead to subscription models, in-app purchases, and even commissions — essentially creating a new economy around ChatGPT. 

5. Heavily Personalized Experiences

I am particularly excited about this because it indicates that apps will be contextually relevant to your conversation, which means the outcomes will be incredibly personalized. ChatGPT will not only know what kind of trip you are considering, it will also be able to recommend booking your travel, design styles, or personalized mixes for music selection/playlists based on your individual use case.

Challenges and Concerns

1. Privacy and Data Sharing

Utilizing applications within ChatGPT necessitates account linkage and personal information sharing. Privacy will be a prominent issue going forth, particularly to the extent that ChatGPT will be tied to sensitive applications such as travel and lodging, payments, and real estate. 

2. Application Priority and Fairness

When multiple applications offer the same service in ChatGPT (Ex, Expedia vs Booking.com), how will ChatGPT prioritize one or the other? OpenAI should endorse the fairness and transparency of recommendations.

3. Feature Limitations

Early integration of applications may not have full functionality compared to the dedicated application. (for example, Spotify integration may permit the user to create a playlist, but not to set up collaborative playlists, etc.)

4. Learning Curve for Users

Many users have the habit of opening separate applications. Thus, adjusting to an "everything-in-chat" workflow will take time and good habits. 

5. Legal and Compliance Issues 

Locally applicable laws, local GDPR laws in Europe, and data-sharing laws may be reasons for delays with a worldwide rollout.

Practical Applications

• Music and Podcasts

“Spotify, generate a workout playlist for me."

“Spotify, can you suggest some podcasts on Hindi history?”

All playable results are provided in ChatGPT, and you don’t need to open Spotify separately.

• Design and create Content

“Canva, make me an Instagram post for our bakery launch.”

“Figma, can you add more color to this infographic?”

All aspects of the designs can be viewed, edited, and exported in ChatGPT.

• Travel and Booking

“Expedia, can you do searches for 5-star hotels in Delhi under ₹5,000 per night?”

“Booking, where can I find a package for 3 nights sightseeing included?"

All hotel and travel booking results immediately display in the chat with previews.

• Real Estate

“Zillow, can you find a 3BHK in New Jersey?”

“Zillow, can you show me homes with proximity to schools on a map?"

• Education and Upskilling

“Coursera, what is a Python Data Science course you can recommend?"

"Coursera, can you summarize the modules for this course?"

The Broader Perspective: The Future Direction for ChatGPT Applications

1. ChatGPT as the Future Operating System

Analysts have claimed that ChatGPT may become the new operating system run by AI, whereby users can live completely inside ChatGPT instead of with a mobile or desktop operating system’s app store.

2. App Store Structure

OpenAI is imminently launching a ChatGPT app directory where users will find apps to activate and install. Developers will be able to submit their apps — the same way they do with Google Play or Apple’s App Store, and users will be able to search for apps.

3. Agents and Automation

With AgentKit and others, the future of ChatGPT apps is that they will run as autonomous agents. Think about an “event planning agent” that automatically leverages Canva, Spotify, Expedia, Coursera, and others in a single workflow.

4. More Apps

Possible future integrations include Uber, DoorDash, OpenTable, Target, Peloton, Tripadvisor, etc. — i.e., turning ChatGPT into a “super app.” 

5. Localizing and Rolling out Globally

OpenAI is expected to keep adding app support globally around the world and tailoring apps to local users in different regions, particularly around language and local providers.

Summary

By transforming ChatGPT into an app platform, OpenAI has elevated what was an AI chatbot into a full digital ecosystem. With integrations such as Spotify, Canva, Coursera, and Expedia, ChatGPT offers users the ability to accomplish end-to-end workflows all within the chat.

There are certainly challenges - privacy, fairness, compliance, and adoption - but the opportunities outweigh the challenges.