OpenAI Expands ChatGPT With Apps and Always-On Dots Agents
The company is building software discovery, connected services and task execution into ChatGPT without announcing app-store-style payments or revenue sharing.
OpenAI is expanding ChatGPT into a software hub where users can discover, connect and operate third-party apps while Dots agents complete tasks between conversations.
The Sept. 29 expansion targets functions traditionally handled by mobile and web app stores, including software discovery, identity, interactive interfaces and task execution. OpenAI has not announced an equivalent system for app payments or revenue sharing.
Dots are always-on agents powered by GPT-6 Astra. They use cloud computers, ChatGPT memory, Codex and connected tools to work on projects between conversations, then message users through ChatGPT on the web, mobile and desktop.
Access is available to Pro, Business Premium and Enterprise users in eligible markets. Enterprise users need workspace-admin enablement. Users can choose which apps Dots may access, manage permissions and require approval for selected actions. Actions affecting accounts or sharing information are subject to auto-review, and some require user approval.
ChatGPT’s app system allows users to connect external services, use them inside conversations and receive app suggestions based on the discussion. Developers can create those apps with the Apps Software Development Kit, which is based on the Model Context Protocol and supports interactive interfaces connected to developers’ back ends.
OpenAI introduced apps inside ChatGPT in October 2025, including Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Expedia, Figma, Spotify and Zillow. The company opened an in-ChatGPT directory in December 2025 at ChatGPT.com/apps, where users can browse featured apps or search for published software.
Sign in with ChatGPT gives supported external applications access to a user’s name, email address and profile picture, if available. ChatGPT conversations, memory, files and tokens are not independently shared. Initial Sign in with ChatGPT partners include Airtable, GitLab, HubSpot, Notion, Supabase and Vercel.
Developers can link to their own websites or native apps for physical-goods transactions, while OpenAI has explored additional monetization options. The current rollout therefore establishes discovery, identity, interfaces and agent-based execution, but leaves the commercial model for software distribution unresolved.
