OpenAI has significantly enhanced ChatGPT's capabilities by introducing app integrations, allowing users to connect their external accounts directly to the AI assistant. This innovation enables ChatGPT to perform various tasks on the user's behalf, streamlining workflows and personalizing experiences. To initiate an integration, users simply log into ChatGPT and type the name of the desired app at the beginning of their prompt. ChatGPT then guides them through the account connection and sign-in process. Alternatively, users can manage all app connections by navigating to the Settings menu, then selecting "Apps and Connectors" to browse available options and link their accounts.

A crucial aspect of these integrations is data sharing. When an account is connected, users consent to sharing their app data with ChatGPT. It is imperative to review the permissions granted during the linking process. For instance, connecting a Spotify account allows ChatGPT access to playlists, listening history, and other personal information, which is used to personalize recommendations and actions. Users with privacy concerns should carefully consider this level of access. Fortunately, the system also provides the flexibility to disconnect any linked app at any time directly from the Settings menu.

Several popular applications have already been integrated, offering a wide array of functionalities:

Booking.com: This integration assists travelers by suggesting accommodations. Users can ask ChatGPT to locate hotels in a specific city, within certain dates and budget constraints, and even specify details like the number of guests or proximity to public transport. It also allows for more nuanced searches, such as "with breakfast included," making the process more intuitive than direct website searches. Once a suitable option is found, users can open the Booking.com listing to complete their reservation.

Canva: Aimed at graphic designers and content creators, the Canva integration facilitates rapid generation of visual content. Users can prompt ChatGPT to design items like "a 16:9 slide deck about our Q4 roadmap" or "a fun poster for a dog-walking business," including specific preferences for fonts, color schemes, formats, and dimensions. While AI-generated designs may require minor tweaks to correct occasional distortions or typos, this feature provides a valuable starting point, allowing users to refine their creations within the Canva platform.

Coursera: The Coursera integration is designed to help users efficiently discover online courses tailored to their skill level. Users can command ChatGPT to find an "intermediate-level course on Python" and then compare various options based on ratings, duration, and cost before enrolling. ChatGPT can also offer a concise overview of each course's content.

DoorDash: Primarily available to U.S. users with participating grocery retailers (like Kroger, Safeway, Wegmans), the DoorDash integration simplifies meal planning and grocery shopping. Users can request a meal plan from ChatGPT and instantly add all necessary ingredients to their DoorDash cart for review and checkout.

Expedia: For travel planning, Expedia's integration allows ChatGPT to display hotel and flight options directly within the chat interface. Users can specify travel dates, budget, number of travelers, and even narrow down results with criteria like "Only show 4-star hotels." Final bookings are completed on the Expedia website.

Figma: This integration assists in visualizing ideas and complex concepts by enabling ChatGPT to generate diagrams, flow charts, and other tangible visual aids. Users can also upload files and request a product roadmap from the chatbot, complete with milestones, deliverables, and deadlines, to enhance team organization.

Spotify: A particularly helpful feature, the Spotify integration allows users to quickly create personalized playlists based on mood or specific artists. ChatGPT can also suggest new artists, playlists, audiobooks, and podcast episodes, and even perform actions like adding or removing items from the user's Spotify library.

Target: Launched as a beta before Black Friday, the Target integration for U.S. shoppers offers gift suggestions and allows users to build shopping baskets with multiple items without leaving ChatGPT. For example, a request for "movie night ideas" could yield a curated selection of Target items that can be added to a cart for purchase, with options for "Drive Up," in-store pickup, or standard shipping.

Uber: The Uber integration simplifies finding ride options, particularly useful in new locations. Users can set up their trip details within ChatGPT, then complete the ride request and payment in the Uber app. Currently, this feature is limited to on-demand rides in the U.S. and supports options like UberX, UberXL, Comfort, and Black. An Uber Eats integration is also available for U.S. users, allowing browsing of local restaurants and menus before finalizing payments in the Uber Eats app.

Zillow: For those searching for a new home, the Zillow integration in ChatGPT streamlines the process. Users can find homes meeting specific criteria and apply filters for price range, number of bedrooms, or neighborhoods using simple text prompts, making the search more efficient and tailored to individual needs.

Looking ahead, OpenAI plans to expand its partnerships, with integrations for OpenTable, PayPal, and Walmart slated for launch in 2026. However, the rollout of ChatGPT's app integrations is currently confined to the U.S. and Canada, with users in Europe and the U.K. excluded for the time being. This evolving landscape of integrations significantly broadens ChatGPT's utility, transforming it into a more powerful and versatile personal assistant.