ChatGPT Evolves Into an App Platform, Aiming to Be Your OS

The landscape of artificial intelligence is shifting dramatically as ChatGPT evolves from a conversational chatbot into a full-fledged application platform, with ambitions to function like a personal operating system. This strategic expansion, unveiled at OpenAI’s recent developer conference, introduces an Apps SDK that empowers developers to build interactive software directly within the ChatGPT interface. According to Nick Turley, who leads the ChatGPT division, this transformation will unfold over the coming months, fundamentally changing how users access and interact with digital services.

During the keynote presentation, live demonstrations illustrated the practical implications of this shift. One pilot partner, Canva, showcased deep integration that allowed a user to request poster designs through simple text prompts. The AI assistant then generated multiple poster options and even converted them into a slide deck without leaving the conversation. This represents a significant departure from ChatGPT’s traditional question-and-answer format, moving toward a more dynamic, application-driven experience.

What distinguishes these new applications from previous custom chatbot features is their sophisticated level of integration. While earlier iterations like GPTs primarily offered enhanced text exchanges, the current Apps SDK enables fully interactive experiences that maintain the conversational interface while delivering app-like functionality. As OpenAI’s chief executive Sam Altman emphasized during the announcement, this development aims to foster “a new generation of apps that are interactive, adaptive, and personalized that you can chat with.”

The Zillow integration provided another compelling example of this enhanced functionality. Instead of manually adjusting numerous filters on a website, users can now describe their ideal home specifications through natural language prompts. The platform then processes these requests and displays relevant property listings within the chat interface. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for navigating complex menus and toggle switches, creating a more intuitive user experience.

Another substantial improvement comes through full-screen app viewing capabilities, allowing developers to create experiences that closely mirror standalone applications. The initial roster of launch partners includes prominent names across multiple industries, Booking.com for travel, Coursera for education, Figma for design, Expedia for trip planning, and Spotify for music streaming. Eleven additional partners are expected to join the platform later this year, with the Apps SDK currently available in preview for developers.

Accessibility remains a cornerstone of this expansion, with all ChatGPT users, regardless of subscription level, able to utilize these integrated applications. Activation requires nothing more than beginning a message with the name of an available app. The system will also intelligently suggest relevant applications based on the context of conversations, making discovery seamless for users.

Looking ahead, these applications may incorporate agentic capabilities that proactively perform tasks on behalf of users. While specific features will vary by application, the underlying promise remains consistent: ChatGPT’s capabilities will be “greatly expanded” and the overall experience should feel “meaningfully different” as this platform evolution continues. This represents not just an incremental update but a fundamental reimagining of how users might interact with software through conversational interfaces in the future.

(Source: ZDNET)