OpenAI launched an Apps SDK that allows ChatGPT to host third-party apps like Canva, Zillow and Spotify—letting users remain in the chat interface while performing real app actions—thus turning ChatGPT into a conversational platform for interactive tools. (Source: Image by RR)

Early Partners Include Coursera, Canva, Zillow, Spotify and Figma

OpenAI introduced an Apps SDK at its DevDay event, enabling third-party services to run inside ChatGPT as interactive apps. Users, according to an article in venturebeat.com, will be able to log in to their external accounts (e.g. Canva, Zillow, Spotify) and have ChatGPT operate parts of those apps—making slides, fetching listings, or accessing lessons—without leaving the chat interface. Early integrations shown include Coursera, Canva, Zillow, with more partners like Figma, Booking.com and Spotify announced.

The SDK is built on top of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and supports “talking to apps,” letting ChatGPT maintain updated context from those apps so it knows exactly what the user is doing. Apps can appear inline as cards or expand to full screen, and features like picture-in-picture let users consume video while continuing a text conversation. For example, one demo had ChatGPT fetch a Zillow property listing, render an interactive map, and allow filtering—all inside ChatGPT, plus answer follow-up questions like proximity to parks.

OpenAI stressed privacy, safety, and developer guidelines: apps must publish a privacy policy, limit data access, be stable and predictable, and follow ChatGPT’s visual and interaction design standards. Apps that misbehave can be removed, and developers must use verified accounts with support contacts. The SDK is available now in preview, but apps won’t start charging users until later in the year. The new capabilities are rolling out to Free, Plus, Go, and Pro users outside the EU first, with Business, Enterprise, and Education tiers to follow.

This move transforms ChatGPT from a chatbot into a conversational app platform or AI operating system, allowing users to perform tasks like booking a flight, crafting a slide deck, or exploring real estate—all within one interface. OpenAI sees this as the start of a new ecosystem of “apps you can chat with.” Still, questions remain about how data from connected apps will be handled and whether OpenAI can use it for training, as well as how this new SDK interacts with past visions like the GPT Store.

read more in venturebeat.com