OpenAI has announced that app developers can now submit their applications for review and potential publication inside ChatGPT, marking a major step toward building a broader in-app ecosystem.
The company revealed on Wednesday that it has introduced a new app directory within ChatGPT’s tools menu, a feature that has quickly been described by users as an “app store.”
This development follows OpenAI’s October announcement that third-party apps would be integrated into its chatbot, a move aimed at significantly expanding what users can do within ChatGPT.
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At the time, major platforms such as Expedia, Spotify, Zillow, and Canva confirmed integrations that allow users to access their services directly from ChatGPT conversations. With the latest update, OpenAI is now opening the platform to a wider range of developers.
According to the company, apps enhance ChatGPT conversations by adding new context and enabling users to take real-world actions, such as ordering groceries, turning outlines into slide decks, or searching for apartments all without leaving the chat interface.
OpenAI explained that its Apps SDK, which remains in beta, provides developers with tools to build new experiences for ChatGPT users. Once ready, developers can submit their apps through the OpenAI Developer platform and track their approval status. The company added that a number of approved apps are expected to begin launching within ChatGPT over the coming year.
This move represents a significant push by OpenAI to deepen engagement within ChatGPT, giving users more reasons to stay on the platform while encouraging developers to build directly into its ecosystem.
Beyond apps, OpenAI also shared strong enterprise growth figures in its State of Enterprise report. The company disclosed that it now serves more than 7 million ChatGPT workplace seats, with ChatGPT Enterprise seats growing by approximately nine times year-over-year.
Since November 2024, weekly enterprise messages have increased roughly eightfold, while the average worker is sending 30% more messages. This growth, OpenAI noted, reflects both more frequent usage and deeper, more intensive use of ChatGPT at work.
Over the past year, structured workflows such as Projects and Custom GPTs have seen a 19× year-to-date increase, signaling a shift from casual experimentation to integrated and repeatable business processes.
Survey data also highlighted productivity gains. Seventy-five percent of workers reported that AI use at work has improved either the speed or quality of their output. On average, ChatGPT enterprise users estimate they save between 40 and 60 minutes per active workday, with data science, engineering, and communications professionals saving as much as 60 to 80 minutes daily.
Coding-related usage has also expanded significantly. OpenAI reported that coding messages have increased across all job functions, and outside of engineering, IT, and research roles, coding-related messages have grown by an average of 36% over the past six months.
While early adoption of ChatGPT Enterprise was largely U.S.-based, OpenAI noted that international growth is accelerating rapidly. The United States, Germany, and Japan currently rank among the most active markets by message volume, while the United Kingdom and Germany are now among the largest enterprise markets outside the U.S. by number of customers.
Together, the expansion of third-party apps and surging enterprise adoption underscore OpenAI’s ambition to position ChatGPT as both a consumer platform and a core productivity tool for businesses worldwide.