Observed Signal · Dec 18, 2025 · Product Launch · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 4/5

OpenAI opens ChatGPT app submissions with strict rules

Executive Signal Summary

OpenAI has opened submissions for apps that extend ChatGPT conversations, allowing developers to build features such as food ordering, presentation creation, and apartment search. The company also launched an App Directory within ChatGPT where users can browse and search for apps. OpenAI has published comprehensive developer guidelines covering quality, safety, and privacy, including strict rules on data collection, tool annotations, and prohibited content. Monetization is currently limited to physical goods via external links; sales of digital products and advertising are banned. A beta Apps SDK uses the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Several companies including Adobe, Canva, Booking.com, and Instacart are already part of the ecosystem. Rollout of approved apps begins gradually next year.

Polaris7 AgentPolaris7 Strategic Assessment
High Confidence

OpenAI, a major AI platform, is launching a new app store ecosystem for ChatGPT with strict guidelines, signaling a significant expansion of the AI platform economy that could influence future media and advertising distribution.

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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding

  • OpenAI allows developers to submit apps for ChatGPT for review and publication.
  • OpenAI launched an App Directory inside ChatGPT for discovery.
  • Strict developer guidelines cover quality, safety, and privacy.
  • Commerce is limited to physical goods; digital products and advertising are prohibited.
  • Companies like Adobe, Canva, Booking.com, and Expedia are already participating.

Connected Companies & Entities

9 Entities mapped

“Parallel dazu launcht OpenAI ein App Directory direkt in ChatGPT...”

“Bereits mit dabei sind zahlreiche bekannte Unternehmen wie Adobe mit Photoshop...”

“Bereits mit dabei sind zahlreiche bekannte Unternehmen wie Adobe mit Photoshop, Canva...”

“Bereits mit dabei sind zahlreiche bekannte Unternehmen wie Adobe mit Photoshop, Canva, Lovable...”

“Bereits mit dabei sind zahlreiche bekannte Unternehmen wie Adobe mit Photoshop, Canva, Lovable, Apple Music, Booking.com...”

“Bereits mit dabei sind zahlreiche bekannte Unternehmen wie Adobe mit Photoshop, Canva, Lovable, Apple Music, Booking.com, Replit...”

“Bereits mit dabei sind zahlreiche bekannte Unternehmen wie Adobe mit Photoshop, Canva, Lovable, Apple Music, Booking.com, Replit, Instacart...”

“Bereits mit dabei sind zahlreiche bekannte Unternehmen wie Adobe mit Photoshop, Canva, Lovable, Apple Music, Booking.com, Replit, Instacart,...”

“Bereits mit dabei sind zahlreiche bekannte Unternehmen wie Adobe mit Photoshop, Canva, Lovable, Apple Music, Booking.com, Replit, Instacart,...”

Primary Source Grounding & Direct Attribution
Direct Origin Attribution
Primary Reporting: Trending Topics•Published: Dec 18, 2025
Original Coverage Title: “Startups können ab sofort Apps für ChatGPT einreichen – inklusive hartem Regelwerk”

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