ChatGPT Just Got a Major Upgrade: Here’s What You Need to Know
OpenAI has just made ChatGPT even more powerful by integrating third-party apps directly into its interface. At its annual DevDay conference, OpenAI introduced a feature that allows users to access interactive applications from companies like Booking.com, Expedia, Spotify, Figma, Coursera, Zillow, and Canva—all within ChatGPT’s conversations. This move transforms ChatGPT from a mere chatbot into a comprehensive productivity tool.
What Does This Mean for You?
Gone are the days of toggling between multiple apps. Now, you can perform tasks like:
- Designing graphics with Figma
- Booking travel through Expedia or Booking.com
- Learning new skills via Coursera
- Searching for homes using Zillow
- Creating playlists with Spotify
All these functionalities are accessible directly within your ChatGPT conversation. For instance, you can type, “Figma, turn this sketch into a workable diagram,” and ChatGPT will integrate Figma’s tools into your chat. Similarly, asking, “Coursera, can you teach me something about machine learning?” will bring Coursera’s educational resources into the conversation.
This integration makes ChatGPT a more interactive, adaptive, and personalized assistant, enhancing your productivity and learning experience.
For Developers: A New Opportunity
OpenAI has also launched a preview of the Apps SDK, a toolkit that allows developers to build applications inside ChatGPT. This initiative aims to create a rich ecosystem of apps around ChatGPT, providing developers with better distribution for their applications and offering users a more integrated experience.
Looking Ahead
This move positions ChatGPT as a central hub for various tasks, from booking travel to learning new skills and creating content. With plans to integrate more apps like DoorDash, Instacart, Uber, and AllTrails in the future, ChatGPT is evolving into a comprehensive assistant that can handle a wide range of activities.
big ripple effect on other startups that are building application layers
1. Increased Competition
- By embedding popular apps inside ChatGPT, OpenAI is essentially creating a super-platform where users may prefer doing everything in one place.
- Startups offering standalone apps for tasks like design, travel booking, or learning may see a drop in direct user engagement, because ChatGPT can now act as a front-end aggregator.
- Example: A small AI-powered travel recommendation app might lose traffic if users can book trips directly via ChatGPT using Expedia or Booking.com.
2. Opportunities for Collaboration
- Startups can integrate with ChatGPT using the Apps SDK rather than compete against it.
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This can provide:
- Instant exposure to millions of users
- Faster growth without heavy marketing costs
- Co-branding opportunities
- Essentially, ChatGPT can become a distribution channel for startups.
3. Shift in Business Model
- Companies that rely on direct-to-consumer app adoption may need to pivot to B2B or API-first models.
- Startups could focus on building specialized capabilities that other platforms like ChatGPT could plug into, instead of building standalone apps for end-users.
4. Innovation Pressure
- With OpenAI centralizing the application layer, startups will face higher expectations for differentiation.
- They need to offer deep expertise or unique functionality that ChatGPT cannot easily replicate.
- Example: Instead of a generic photo editing app, a startup might focus on AI-generated art for specific industries (e.g., fashion or architecture).
5. Ecosystem Dynamics
- Startups that integrate successfully can benefit from network effects.
- Those that fail to integrate or differentiate may struggle, as the user base may consolidate around ChatGPT + apps ecosystem.
Bottom Line: OpenAI is raising the bar for application layers, turning ChatGPT into a one-stop hub. Startups face a choice: compete, collaborate, or specialize. Those who pivot smartly could gain massive visibility; those who don’t risk being marginalized.
2×2 Strategic Framework: Startups vs ChatGPT Apps Ecosystem
Axes
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X-axis: Level of Integration with ChatGPT
- Low Integration: Standalone, not plugged into ChatGPT
- High Integration: Available as a ChatGPT app via the Apps SDK
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Y-axis: Level of Differentiation / Specialization
- Low Differentiation: Generic functionality that ChatGPT could replicate easily
- High Differentiation: Unique, specialized features that ChatGPT cannot replicate
Quadrants
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Quadrant 1 – Low Integration, Low Differentiation → Risk Zone
- Examples: Generic travel, fitness, or note-taking apps
- Challenges: Users may migrate to ChatGPT since it offers similar functionality + convenience
- Strategy: Pivot quickly, increase differentiation or integrate
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Quadrant 2 – High Integration, Low Differentiation → Visibility Play
- Examples: Apps like booking platforms, common utilities, or music streaming
- Opportunity: Gain massive exposure by integrating into ChatGPT
- Caveat: Must compete on ease of use, reliability, and partnerships
- Strategy: Leverage ChatGPT’s user base, monetize via usage fees, subscriptions, or premium features
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Quadrant 3 – Low Integration, High Differentiation → Niche Leader
- Examples: Highly specialized AI tools (e.g., architectural design AI, biotech research apps)
- Opportunity: Maintain independence and dominate niche markets that ChatGPT cannot fully replicate
- Strategy: Focus on domain expertise, deep functionality, or high-value user segments
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Quadrant 4 – High Integration, High Differentiation → Ideal Position
- Examples: Specialized apps embedded into ChatGPT (e.g., advanced Figma plugins, professional learning platforms, complex financial modeling tools)
- Opportunity: Best of both worlds—visibility + unique value
- Strategy: Collaborate with OpenAI, optimize user experience inside ChatGPT, offer features users cannot find elsewhere
Key Takeaways for Startups
- Do not ignore integration: ChatGPT can become a major distribution channel.
- Focus on differentiation: Avoid building features that ChatGPT could replicate easily.
- Explore hybrid strategies: Integrate while maintaining niche specialization to maximize both growth and defensibility.
- Continuous innovation is critical: The ecosystem will evolve quickly; early movers gain a strong advantage.
Glossary
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ChatGPT: An AI language model developed by OpenAI that can generate human-like text based on the prompts it receives.
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Apps SDK: A software development kit provided by OpenAI that allows developers to create applications that can be integrated into ChatGPT.
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Interactive Applications: Software tools that allow users to perform tasks directly within a platform, enhancing user engagement and functionality.
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