Introducing apps in ChatGPT and the new Apps SDK

OpenAI has announced the launch of apps within ChatGPT, along with a new Apps SDK currently in preview. According to OpenAI Blog, these apps are interactive chat-based applications that operate directly inside the ChatGPT interface. Developers can begin building with the Apps SDK immediately. This move extends ChatGPT from a standalone conversational agent into a platform capable of hosting third-party tools and services. For developers and solopreneurs building AI workflows, this presents an opportunity to create and deploy custom, interactive AI tools without requiring users to leave the ChatGPT environment. The SDK provides the technical foundation for integrating various functionalities, potentially streamlining the development of specialized assistants or workflow automations. However, details on monetization, distribution, and discovery of these apps remain limited. The initiative signals a strategic shift toward an app-ecosystem model, similar to what happened with smartphones, but within an AI chat interface. Practical implications include the ability to embed bespoke AI logic directly into conversations, reducing friction for end-users who already rely on ChatGPT.