"OpenAI Opens App Floodgates: Third-Party Devs Can Now Build on ChatGPT"

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT App Directory, Expands Capabilities with Third-Party Dev Submissions In a significant move to expand the capabilities and functionality of its popular chatbot, OpenAI has launched the ChatGPT App Directory, allowing third-party developers to submit their apps for integration with the platform. The App Directory, which went live on December 17, 2025, enables users to discover, search, and install third-party apps directly within ChatGPT, enhancing the user experience and unlocking new possibilities for developers. According to OpenAI, the App Directory is not a "store" but a platform where users can find and install third-party apps, which can be triggered during conversations by mentioning them by name or selecting them from the tools menu. The company has begun accepting submissions from third-party developers, with a review process set to start early 2026. This move is expected to bring a wide range of innovative apps to the platform, including those that can be used in various industries and domains. The App Directory can be accessed from the ChatGPT sidebar and at the URL chatgpt.com/apps. OpenAI has announced that it will review and approve submissions to ensure they meet its guidelines, which will be made available to developers in the coming weeks. The company has also stated that it will not charge developers any fees for submitting their apps, but will take a commission on revenue generated from app sales. According to Carl Franzen, a writer at VentureBeat, OpenAI's decision to launch the App Directory is a significant step towards expanding the capabilities of ChatGPT. "This means the 800 million users of OpenAI's hit chatbot can search for, discover and begin using newly approved third-party apps immediately," Franzen said in a statement. The launch of the App Directory is seen as a major milestone in the development of ChatGPT, which has gained widespread popularity since its release. The platform's ability to integrate third-party apps will enable users to access a wide range of tools and services, from language translation and text summarization to content creation and more. OpenAI's decision to allow third-party developers to submit their apps for integration with ChatGPT is expected to bring a new level of innovation and creativity to the platform. As the company continues to review and approve submissions, users can expect to see a wide range of new apps and features become available in the coming months. In a statement, OpenAI said, "We are excited to see the innovative apps that developers will create for ChatGPT and look forward to reviewing and approving submissions in the coming weeks." The company has also invited developers to submit their apps and join the ChatGPT App Directory community. As the App Directory continues to grow and evolve, users can expect to see a wide range of new apps and features become available. With the ability to integrate third-party apps, ChatGPT is poised to become an even more powerful and versatile tool for users, and OpenAI's decision to launch the App Directory is a significant step towards achieving this goal.