OpenAI has significantly enhanced the utility of ChatGPT, transforming it into a more powerful control hub for your favorite online tools. The latest update allows you to use third-party applications like Spotify, Canva, and Zillow directly inside your chat, eliminating the need to switch tabs or interrupt your workflow. This bold move positions the AI as a central workspace, though it’s still in the early stages of rollout.
How the New In-Chat App System Works
The new system is powered by OpenAI’s Apps SDK, which lets developers embed mini-versions of their applications right into the ChatGPT window. Instead of jumping to a separate website, you can trigger these apps with simple, direct prompts.
Key Examples:
- You can tell the AI, “Spotify, generate a jazz playlist for work,” and a Spotify window will appear for the result.
- You could say, “Canva, make a poster for my podcast,” and Canva will launch directly in the chat, ready for you to start editing.
Currently, you can explore apps like Canva, Spotify, Booking.com, Coursera, Expedia, Figma, and Zillow, with many more expected to join soon.
Getting Started: Accessing Apps in ChatGPT
If you are located outside the EU and on a Free, Go, Plus, or Pro plan (on desktop or mobile), you can start using this feature immediately. Access for Business and Education users is slated for a later release in 2025.
Steps to Use an App:
- Open ChatGPT and go to Explore GPTs.
- Search for the app you want to use and click on it to begin a new chat.
- Alternatively, simply name the app within a specific prompt, such as: “Canva, make me a modern YouTube thumbnail…”
- The first time you use an app, ChatGPT will prompt you to confirm access. After that, the connection will be seamless.
- Wait for the AI to open the app window where you can preview or edit the result directly.
Pro Tip: Prompts work best when they are direct and specific. For example, “Spotify, play a jazz playlist” is much more effective than the vague command “Play music.”
Why This is a Game-Changer for Productivity
Before this update, ChatGPT was primarily an information provider. Now, it’s a task-accomplisher. The ability to blend the AI’s processing power with the functionality of your preferred tools means you can design a logo, book travel, or search for a home all within a single, continuous flow. This integrated approach significantly saves time and streamlines chained tasks, such as finding a property on Zillow and then booking travel via Expedia, all in one go.
Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
While the convenience is undeniable, this evolution comes with important trade-offs:
- Data and Privacy Concerns: Connecting a third-party app requires you to grant it permissions. While OpenAI claims to limit access, this still means your habits and queries are being tracked, raising questions about data dependency and security.
- Performance Issues: The system is still new and occasionally laggy or buggy, with some Android users reporting apps failing to load or respond correctly. The need for precise prompts can also make the experience feel less intuitive than it sounds.
- Ecosystem Control: This shift could potentially lead to AI companies creating closed-off ecosystems. While large services like Spotify and Canva may be unaffected, this trend could harm smaller developers who rely on direct user visits to their platforms.
Conclusion
The integration of apps within ChatGPT represents a significant leap forward, transforming the platform from a simple chatbot into a one-stop digital workspace. Although there are performance hurdles and important data privacy issues to consider, this update provides a clear glimpse into a future where AI acts as the primary gateway for getting things done online.
