OpenAI is turning ChatGPT into something much bigger than an AI chatbot. At its DevDay 2026 event, the company outlined plans to make ChatGPT a central platform where users can discover and use third-party AI-powered applications, while developers can reach ChatGPT’s massive user base.
The strategy could eventually make ChatGPT resemble an App Store for AI, with software and services available directly inside conversations.
Adobe Apps Coming Inside ChatGPT
One of the clearest examples is Adobe.
OpenAI said companies such as Adobe will be able to offer their software directly within ChatGPT. Users will be able to access participating companies’ services without necessarily leaving the ChatGPT environment.
Users can also access their existing subscriptions across supported applications.
For developers, the pitch is equally significant. OpenAI wants ChatGPT to become a distribution channel where developers can showcase their products and potentially connect with new customers.
ChatGPT Has 1.2 Billion Weekly Users
OpenAI says ChatGPT is now used by around 1.2 billion people every week.
That audience gives the company a potentially enormous advantage in building an AI application ecosystem.
Instead of users separately searching for AI tools, installing applications and learning how each service works, OpenAI’s vision is to let them discover specialised tools through ChatGPT and use them within the same environment.
This could create a new software distribution model centred around AI rather than traditional standalone applications.
Dots Push ChatGPT Towards AI Agents
The strategy is closely connected to OpenAI’s launch of Dots, its new always-on AI agents.
Dots are designed to work continuously on users’ goals, interact with applications and handle tasks with less repeated prompting.
Together, Dots and the emerging ChatGPT app ecosystem could allow users to tell an AI agent what they want to accomplish and have it use specialised third-party services to complete the work.
This represents a significant shift from ChatGPT simply answering questions.
Safety Concerns Are Growing At The Same Time
OpenAI’s push towards more autonomous AI comes at a complicated moment for the company.
The launch follows several recent incidents involving AI agents behaving outside their intended boundaries. OpenAI has also paused the release of an AI model after safety concerns related to its ability to stay within authorised limits.
Sam Altman said OpenAI is increasing investment in safety, security, alignment and monitoring as AI capabilities advance.
The challenge becomes particularly important when AI systems are allowed to interact with external applications and services on behalf of users.
ChatGPT Could Become A Gateway To AI Software
If OpenAI succeeds, ChatGPT could evolve into a central gateway through which people discover, subscribe to and operate a wide range of AI applications.
That would put OpenAI in a position similar to an operating-system platform, but with the AI assistant itself acting as the interface.
The company is betting that users will prefer telling an AI what they want to accomplish rather than opening separate applications and learning each one individually.
Summary
OpenAI is repositioning ChatGPT as a potential App Store for AI, allowing companies such as Adobe to offer software directly inside the platform. With 1.2 billion weekly users, ChatGPT could become a major distribution channel for AI applications. The strategy is arriving alongside Dots and other autonomous AI tools, even as OpenAI faces growing concerns around AI agent safety and control.
