OpenAI Launches Innovative In-Chat Apps and SDK, Transforming User Experience in ChatGPT

Coursera Joins as First Learning Partner, Enhancing Educational Accessibility

Next Steps for OpenAI’s Expanding App Ecosystem in ChatGPT

OpenAI Unveils Groundbreaking In-Chat Apps for Enhanced User Experience

In an exciting development, OpenAI has launched a new generation of in-chat applications within ChatGPT, alongside a preview of its Apps SDK. This innovative step allows developers to create interactive experiences directly in the ChatGPT interface, transforming how users engage with digital content.

The Power of the Apps SDK

Central to this advancement is the Apps SDK, which is built on the Model Context Protocol (MCP). This toolkit provides developers with the necessary resources to design both the logic and interface of their applications, effectively connecting to their own systems. The SDK enables apps to respond to natural language requests or automatically surface during relevant conversations. This means that users can access maps, playlists, and course modules seamlessly while engaging in conversations, blending conversational interaction with familiar digital elements.

A Vast Audience Awaits

With the introduction of these apps, developers gain access to OpenAI’s large user base, which reportedly numbers 800 million weekly users. The initial rollout of the apps will be available to logged-in ChatGPT users outside the EU and across all subscription plans. Early partners such as Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, Spotify, and Zillow are paving the way for this new feature, and OpenAI is preparing to accept more developer submissions later this year, alongside a directory for users to discover approved apps.

The Developer Experience

OpenAI aims to simplify the app-building process with a Developer Mode, allowing developers to test their creations efficiently. Each app must adhere to OpenAI’s usage policies, ensuring clear privacy statements and the collection of only essential data. This initiative is designed to make building conversational tools faster and more accessible for developers of all backgrounds.

Coursera: The First Learning App

Highlighting the importance of education within this new ecosystem, Leah Belsky, OpenAI’s VP of Education, announced the partnership with Coursera as the first learning app within ChatGPT. This collaboration enables users to ask questions related to learning—like "Coursera, teach me data analytics?"—and receive immediate access to relevant educational videos, course information, and links to delve deeper into subjects of interest.

Coursera’s CEO, Greg Hart, expressed excitement about this partnership, noting, "Trusted, world-class learning from Coursera is accessible directly within ChatGPT—putting high-quality courses from top universities and industry leaders right into the flow of questions and practice for hundreds of millions of people worldwide."

Enhancing Learning Experiences

The integration of Coursera into ChatGPT opens up a world of educational opportunity. Users can prompt the system directly or allow ChatGPT to suggest the app when relevant topics arise in conversation. This streamlined approach aims to foster curiosity and create actionable learning pathways.

Leah Belsky acknowledges the challenges faced by educators and startups in distributing AI learning tools, stating, "Learning is a top use case in ChatGPT. Now we can bring these new experiences to the 800 million people using ChatGPT every week."

Looking Ahead: The Future of the App Ecosystem

OpenAI plans to expand its app ecosystem in the coming months, with new offerings for business, enterprise, and educational solutions. Developers will also have opportunities to monetize their applications while utilizing the new Agentic Commerce Protocol for in-chat purchases, representing a significant shift in the monetization landscape for in-chat interactions.

As Greg Hart succinctly puts it, "We’re proud to be OpenAI’s first learning app in ChatGPT—and grateful to work alongside leaders like Leah Belsky and the team at ChatGPT for Education. We’re just getting started."

Conclusion

With the launch of in-chat apps and the powerful Apps SDK, OpenAI is set to redefine user interactions on the ChatGPT platform. By empowering developers and integrating educational tools, OpenAI is creating a holistic experience that fosters learning and engagement. As we look forward to the rollout of more apps and features, one thing is clear: the future of conversational AI is brighter than ever.