ChatGPT launches an app store, letting developers know it’s open for business

App developers looking to release their software in ChatGPT can now submit it for review and potential deployment, OpenAI said on Wednesday. The company also introduced a new app directory under its list of chat tools which was quickly dubbed the “App Store”.

In October, the company announced the access of applications to its chatbot, explaining that this move will provide a wide range of capabilities to ChatGPT users. Major platforms — including Expedia, Spotify, Zillow, and Canva — have announced integrations that will allow users to access their services directly from chat conversations. Now the company is opening the way to a wide range of players.

“The apps expand ChatGPT conversations by bringing new context and allowing users to take actions like ordering groceries, turning an outline into a slide deck, or searching for an apartment,” the company said on Wednesday.

OpenAI’s Apps SDK, which is still in beta, currently provides a toolkit for developers looking to create new experiences for ChatGPT users. The company said that once developers are ready, they can submit their apps to the company’s OpenAI Developer platform, where they will be able to track their approval status. She added that a number of approved applications will be launched within chat next year.

This is a big step for OpenAI towards expanding the in-chat app ecosystem and, at the same time, giving users more reasons to use and keep using the app.