OpenAI has announced a major update to ChatGPT, enabling the AI model to connect with popular digital services such as Spotify, Booking.com, and Canva through a new Apps SDK.
The feature marks a significant step in turning ChatGPT into a truly interactive digital assistant.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman unveiled the new capability at the company’s annual Developer Day in San Francisco. Addressing hundreds of developers, Altman said the feature would allow ChatGPT to seamlessly interact with apps for music, travel, and real estate — all within the chat interface.
The Apps SDK (Software Development Kit) enables ChatGPT to connect with partner platforms to perform real-world actions, such as selecting songs, booking hotels, or browsing property listings.
Leading platforms join rollout
Initial partners for the launch include Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, Spotify, and Zillow, which went live on Monday in select markets. More partners — such as Uber, AllTrails, and DoorDash — are expected to integrate later this year.
However, the feature is not yet available in Europe, where tighter data protection and AI deployment regulations are still being evaluated.
From conversations to actions
The update turns ChatGPT into a more interactive and task-oriented AI. For example, users can simply type:
“Spotify, make a playlist for my party this Friday,”
and the app will create and share a playlist directly within ChatGPT.
Similarly, if a user discusses buying a new home, ChatGPT can automatically pull up listings through Zillow, displaying them on an interactive map without leaving the chat.
“The models are there now,” Altman said, explaining that OpenAI waited for its technology to mature before launching such integrations.
Enterprise focus and ambitious expansion
Greg Brockman, OpenAI’s president, said the same innovations that helped its models achieve world-class results in areas like the International Mathematical Olympiad will also deliver real benefits for enterprise clients.
OpenAI is increasingly positioning ChatGPT as a business platform, courting partnerships with major tech companies such as Microsoft and Alphabet. Despite significant spending, much of the AI industry has yet to see large-scale profitability, according to recent surveys.
OpenAI’s growth and financial challenges
The company has been on an aggressive growth trajectory. In the past month, OpenAI revealed plans to build over $1 trillion in computing capacity and launched Sora, a viral AI video-generation app that quickly climbed to the top of Apple’s app rankings.
However, Altman acknowledged that OpenAI remains a loss-making venture, saying profitability was “not in my top 10 concerns” but would eventually be necessary. Brockman added that OpenAI remains committed to creating “the best enterprise platform” in the industry.
The announcement adds to a stream of OpenAI updates since ChatGPT’s debut three years ago, which ignited the global AI boom.
Altman addressed concerns about excessive optimism in AI investments, admitting that parts of the sector are “kind of bubbly.” Yet, he maintained that “real value will get created” as AI technology continues to evolve.
