OpenAI launches SDK to bring third-party apps into ChatGPT; users can access Canva, Spotify and more

OpenAI on Monday announced a big leap for ChatGPT by allowing developers to build and integrate interactive apps directly into the conversational AI platform.

The company said it is launching a new Apps SDK to help developers create apps that function naturally within chat conversations.

The SDK is built on the open Model Context Protocol (MCP), allowing third-party developers to build tools that interact seamlessly with ChatGPT’s natural language interface.

The new feature will be available starting October 6 to all logged-in ChatGPT users outside the European Union across the Free, Go, Plus and Pro plans.

Users will be able to access Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, Spotify, and Zillow in ChatGPT through text prompts.

The apps are live in English-speaking markets where their services are offered.

AllTrails, DoorDash, Khan Academy, Instacart, Peloton, OpenTable, Target, TheFork, TripAdvisor, Thumbtack, and Uber will be joining later this year.

Apps in ChatGPT fit naturally into conversation. You can discover them when ChatGPT suggests one at the right time, or by calling them by name,” OpenAI said in a statement. “For developers, building with the Apps SDK makes it possible to reach over 800 million ChatGPT users at just the right time.”

The company said it plans to accept app submissions for review and publication later this year, along with introducing monetisation options for developers.

It also plans to expand app access to ChatGPT Business, Enterprise and Education users and launch a public directory where apps can be searched and featured based on design and functionality standards.

Apps meeting the standards provided in the developer guidelines will be eligible to be listed, and those that meet higher design and functionality standards may be featured more prominently.

“We’ll also share details on monetization soon, including support for the new Agentic Commerce Protocol⁠, an open standard that enables instant checkout in ChatGPT,” it said.