OpenAI has transformed ChatGPT from a chat tool into a platform where apps run directly within conversations. Tasks that once required jumping between different tools can now be completed entirely in ChatGPT. Developers can use the Apps SDK to integrate apps and make sure they appear at the right moment.
Apps in ChatGPT
Apps appear directly within conversations, making it easy to access services like Expedia, Zillow, Spotify, or Coursera without switching tabs. Some apps respond to direct commands, such as “Figma, diagram this.” Others appear automatically when they match the conversation.
Interactive elements like buttons, cards, and quick forms allow tasks to be completed entirely in chat. Users can search for flights, compare real estate listings, generate playlists, or enroll in online courses. Keeping tools in one place reduces friction and makes interactions faster and more intuitive.
How the Platform Works
The Apps SDK and Model Context Protocol connect apps directly to ChatGPT, enabling real-time responses within conversations. When a request matches what an app can do, it runs in the background and returns results in chat.
Bringing an app into the ecosystem works best when functionality is clear and metadata is well-structured. This helps the app appear at the right moment and makes it easy to complete tasks, access information, and interact with tools and AI guidance all within one conversation.
Even as the ecosystem grows, preparing apps with clear functionality and accurate information ensures they appear effectively when integration opens more broadly.
Optimizing Metadata
Metadata is essential for making apps discoverable and usable within ChatGPT. Clear names, descriptive explanations, and well-defined inputs help the platform understand what an app does and when it should appear. Providing guidance on when an app should or should not be used prevents irrelevant suggestions and improves the overall user experience.
Testing metadata with a variety of prompts, including direct requests and outcome-focused requests, ensures apps are surfaced appropriately. Keeping a record of expected behavior for different scenarios makes it easier to refine and improve metadata as the platform evolves.
OpenAI states they will be creating a “directory” for users to discover/search for new apps. This will provide yet another frontier for app developers to focus on for discoverability, and engagement, with their product. We will likely see the need for “optimization” of a ChatGPT App Store listing come into play.
The Significance of This Update
ChatGPT is evolving from a single chat tool into a full ecosystem where apps and AI work together to get tasks done. Users can complete workflows, access information, and explore new tools all within one conversation. Apps respond to commands or appear when relevant, and clear setup ensures they work effectively in the platform. This update changes how people interact with AI, turning ChatGPT into a space where tools, information, and guidance come together naturally.
Not sure how ChatGPT and AI can help your app? Contact us today to learn more!
