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Now, it's obvious that OpenAI is moving nearer to make ChatGPT become an ‘everything app for users just the way Elon Musk tried to make X one. ChatGPT now connects directly to Apple Music and DoorDash. So, what's the update? Well, I will not blindfold you with the it. Let's get into it.
OpenAI has just rolled out an App Directory that lets users easily discover the tools available inside ChatGPT, while also releasing a software development kit (SDK) that allows developers to create new interactive features that work directly within the chatbot’s interface.
The company CEO, Altman Sam, has made this known since November 2025. He said “We are planning to build the obvious features that you would expect for a robust platform over time.” He made this remark as part of the announcement about the App Directory and SDK rollout, explaining OpenAI’s vision of evolving ChatGPT into a full platform with app-like experiences.
OpenAI has also renamed what it previously called “connectors,” and groups them under the broader name “apps.” Connectors were tools that allow ChatGPT to access data from external services such as Google Drive and Dropbox.
According to one OpenAI's support document, chat connectors are now referred to as “apps with file search,” deep research connectors have become “apps with deep research,” and synced connectors are now called “apps with sync.”
The page also notes that these apps can draw on information stored in Memory if the feature is turned on, and that for Free, Plus, Go, and Pro users, OpenAI may use certain data to improve its models when the “improve the model for everyone” option is enabled.
What is the ChatGPT App Store?
The ChatGPT app store is also known as an App Directory inside ChatGPT. This is a new platform built into ChatGPT where users can browse, find, and connect third-party apps directly inside ChatGPT conversations. OpenAI officially launched this app store on December 17, 2025.
For instance, you can ask ChatGPT to make a playlist with some Latin artists that are on my heavy rotation, and the AI chatbot will integrate your Spotify app into the chat and allow you select from the options. You can also immediately open Spotify directly from the chat.
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| Using Spotify in ChatGPT |
Zillow, and others are also part of the app ChatGPT can linked you to. This feature were first introduced in October and are now expanding to more countries including the UK, Switzerland, and across the EU. In fact, Spotify, inside ChatGPT, is now becoming available in the UK, Switzerland, and across the EU.
OpenAI has also added new apps such as Apple Music and DoorDash. Apple Music, inside ChatGPT, allows users to discover songs, create playlists, and manage their music libraries directly inside the chatbot. DoorDash, on the other hand, helps turn meal ideas and planning into a ready-to-order shopping cart without leaving the chat.
The key purpose of this feature is that it gives users a central place to explore tools and apps built specifically for ChatGPT. These apps extend what ChatGPT can do: rather than just answering text, you can use interactive tools or services directly inside chats.
However, it's worth noting that while these additions make ChatGPT more useful and interactive, OpenAI has not yet disclosed or explained how it plans to make money from them. Rather, the company is only saying it is testing different ways to earn revenue in the future, such as selling digital items, and will share more details as it learns from how people use the platform.
How to Use ChatGPT's App Directory
You can browse the app directory from either ChatGPT’s settings or tools menu. But you'll need to connect your app first to use the service. Once an app is connected, you can use it right in a chat, sometimes by mentioning the app (e.g., typing @Spotify) or selecting it from the tools menu.
Apps can extend ChatGPT’s abilities like: searching files, conducting deep research, ordering foods, booking hotels or reservations, creating presentations, streaming music, viewing property listings, and more without leaving the conversation context.
Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Spotify, Zillow, and others can be used without leaving the ChatGPT window. For example, you could ask ChatGPT to make a playlist, summarize course materials, or browse home listings right there.
ChatGPT for Developers, Apps SDK and Submissions
As part of this update, OpenAI also released a new Apps SDK that lets developers build apps that work natively inside ChatGPT. These apps use the Model Context Protocol (MCP) so ChatGPT understands how to call them, respond to users, and display interactive UI inside the chat.
Developers can now submit apps for review, and for the apps to be published inside the ChatGPT app directory, certain conditions are to be met. But once approved, the apps can be featured and discovered by millions of ChatGPT users. However, the guidelines and best practices developers must follow are:
- Every app must adheres to safety policies and data privacy requirements.
- Developers must show users clear information about what data the app accesses.
- Apps collect only the data they need and explain why.
These guidelines are to make sure that developers' apps are safe, useful, and meet ChatGPT's quality standards.
For real, this ChatGPT add-on tools will serve as a new distribution channel for app developers to reach users globally, just like Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store. But, this time, inside an AI model chatbot. On the other hand, the tools will serve more powerful workflows for users inside ChatGPT without switching apps.
