How Will ChatGPT’s New Apps Transform Everyday Tech Use?

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OpenAI’s major Dev Day announcements mean users could soon customize and access popular apps—like Spotify, Canva, and Zillow—directly within ChatGPT, making powerful AI-powered features available with simple, conversational commands. On Tech News Weekly, Sabrina Ortiz of ZDNet joins Mikah Sargent to explain how the new Apps SDK enables developers to build full-featured integrations, positioning ChatGPT as a potential hub for multitasking, creativity, and productivity.

What Did OpenAI Announce at Dev Day 2025?

OpenAI’s Dev Day 2025 introduced several advancements for developers, with the headline feature being the launch of app experiences inside ChatGPT via the new Apps SDK. This goes far beyond past integrations: now, third-party developers can create full interfaces within ChatGPT, allowing users to perform complex tasks with natural language—not just simple questions and answers.

According to Sabrina Ortiz on Tech News Weekly, these new app integrations mean:

• Users can, for example, ask ChatGPT to make a custom playlist in Spotify, design a poster in Canva, or search for apartments on Zillow—all without ever leaving the ChatGPT window.
• The in-app experiences are interactive, visually rich, and can be expanded to full screen, mimicking what you’d see in the standalone application.
• This approach could change the way people get things done online, by merging the strengths of existing apps with the convenience of AI-driven conversation.

How Do ChatGPT Apps Differ From Previous Integrations?

Prior to this update, ChatGPT’s integrations were limited—often restricted to text-based “GPTs” (custom bots or workflows with narrow function). Now, the Apps SDK allows for richer, more dynamic interactions, complete with graphical interfaces and direct access to your account data.

Sabrina Ortiz highlights:

• Unlike older integrations, you can now interact with entire apps through natural chat, without switching tabs or platforms.
• For example, in Canva, users can describe a poster they need, see results live, and tweak those results inside ChatGPT before sharing or exporting.
• The new functionality makes it much faster to complete everyday tasks, especially for users unfamiliar with more complex app interfaces.

Is ChatGPT Becoming an Operating System for Apps?

A notable insight from OpenAI’s own team—shared by Nick Turley and discussed by Ortiz—was the direction ChatGPT is heading: towards becoming an "operating system" for interacting with software. This means users may one day access most digital services through a single conversational hub, powered by AI.

Key points from the episode:

• OpenAI believes in a future where you could "run" apps inside ChatGPT, just like running programs on your computer, but controlled with plain English instructions.
• In six months, ChatGPT may feel “meaningfully different,” Ortiz suggests, especially as more developers build integrated experiences leveraging the Apps SDK.
• Major companies, from Spotify to Airbnb, are already embracing these features, so expect major consumer roll-out soon.

Key Takeaways

• ChatGPT Apps SDK lets developers create full apps inside ChatGPT, revolutionizing how users interact with Spotify, Canva, Zillow, and more.
• Natural language controls enable users to get more done without learning complicated interfaces—just ask for what you want.
• App experiences can be visual and interactive, opening up new possibilities for creativity, productivity, and streamlined workflows.
• OpenAI’s vision is to make ChatGPT a central operating system for apps, possibly transforming internet usage for millions.
• Expect rapid adoption—many major platforms are already building for this new paradigm.
• Consumers with limited technical expertise stand to benefit most, as advanced features are now just a question away.
• Potential for agentic AI—apps that proactively do work for you—could further automate complex tasks.

The Bottom Line

OpenAI is redefining what it means to use apps, putting powerful tools in reach through conversational AI. Whether you’re making music playlists, designing visuals, or finding your next apartment, ChatGPT may soon be your all-in-one platform for getting things done online.

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