The gates are officially open! OpenAI has announced that developers can now submit their applications for review and publication directly within ChatGPT. This marks a significant evolution from the initial introduction of apps at DevDay earlier this year, transitioning the platform from a concept into a burgeoning ecosystem ready for developer contributions.
Starting immediately, creators can follow the official app submission guidelines to put their work forward. These apps are designed to supercharge ChatGPT conversations by injecting new context and enabling tangible actions—think ordering groceries, transforming an outline into a presentation, or searching for a new apartment. To support builders, OpenAI has released a wealth of resources, including best practices on what makes a great ChatGPT app, open-source example apps, an open-sourced UI library for chat-native interfaces, and a detailed quickstart guide.
For users, discovery is getting a major upgrade with the launch of a dedicated app directory inside ChatGPT. Accessible from the tools menu or directly at chatgpt.com/apps, this directory will allow users to browse featured apps or search for any published creation. Once connected, apps can be triggered seamlessly within a conversation by simply @-mentioning them by name or selecting them from the menu. OpenAI is even experimenting with AI-driven suggestions to surface the most relevant apps based on conversation context and user preferences.
Building and Monetizing Your Vision
The foundation of a standout app is designing for genuine user intent. Developers are encouraged to use the beta Apps SDK to craft chat-native experiences. The most effective apps will be tightly focused, intuitive within a chat flow, and deliver clear value—either by completing real-world workflows that begin in conversation or by enabling entirely new, AI-native experiences.
After development, the submission and review process will be managed through the OpenAI Developer Platform. The first wave of approved apps is slated for a gradual rollout in the new year. In this initial phase, developers can link out to their own websites or native apps to facilitate transactions for physical goods, with plans to explore additional monetization avenues, including digital goods, as the ecosystem matures.
A Commitment to Safety and User Control
OpenAI is embedding robust safety and privacy measures from the start. All apps must comply with the platform’s usage policies, be appropriate for all audiences, and adhere to third-party terms of service. Developers are required to submit clear privacy policies and are instructed to request only the data essential for their app’s function.
Transparency is key for users. When connecting to a new app, users will be clearly informed about what data may be shared and will have immediate access to the app’s privacy policy. Most importantly, control remains firmly in the user’s hands—they can disconnect an app at any time, instantly revoking its access.
The Road Ahead
This launch is framed as just the beginning. The long-term vision is for ChatGPT apps to feel like a natural, seamless extension of conversation, helping users effortlessly move from idea to action. As OpenAI learns from both developers and users, they plan to continuously refine the experience, grow the app ecosystem, enhance discoverability, and expand pathways for developers to reach their audience and build sustainable projects.
