In a significant step toward making ChatGPT not just a conversational assistant but a full-fledged execution environment, OpenAI introduced an update that enables users to interact with external apps directly during chat. The update includes a new Software Development Kit (SDK) that allows developers to embed tools into the chat experience.
Early partners for this integration include well-known apps such as Spotify, Canva, Zillow, Expedia, Booking, Coursera, and Figma. Now, a user can simply invoke the app by name in the chat — for instance, “Spotify, make me a playlist” — and the app will respond inside the conversation flow, much like asking a virtual assistant such as Siri or Alexa.
Moreover, ChatGPT can proactively suggest relevant apps based on the conversation context. For example, when discussing buying a home, it may surface Zillow with an interactive map and listing options directly within the chat.
On the technical side, the system is built on a protocol called Model Context Protocol (MCP), which serves as a bridge connecting the chatbot with external tools and services via a unified standard for data and commands exchange. The latest update expands the protocol’s capabilities beyond simple data retrieval — it supports executing commands in the integrated apps in developer modes, enabling direct actions within conversations.
The Apps SDK is currently available in preview mode, and OpenAI plans to release a full developer guide later this year, along with support for monetization of in-chat apps. The feature is available to users on free, Go, Plus, and Pro tiers outside the European Union.
This upgrade marks a significant transformation in how AI assistants are used — shifting from passive chat tools to environments capable of performing complex digital tasks within a single conversational interface.
