OpenAI just unveiled the infrastructure that could transform ChatGPT from a chatbot into the internet's next mega-marketplace. The company's latest moves - combining in-app purchases with integrated third-party services - position it to capture a slice of users' everyday spending, from Uber rides to Target orders. This isn't just about AI anymore; OpenAI is now competing directly with Amazon and Walmart for commerce dominance.
OpenAI just dropped its biggest play yet for the future of commerce, and it's happening right inside ChatGPT. At Monday's annual dev day, the company showed off how apps like Spotify and Figma now work seamlessly within the chat interface - no browser switching, no app hopping, just pure AI-driven interaction.
But here's the real kicker: OpenAI isn't just building a better chatbot. They're quietly assembling the pieces for something much bigger. Last week's launch of Instant Checkout suddenly makes a lot more sense. That payment infrastructure, which plugs into Shopify, Etsy, and Stripe stores, now has a front-end that could handle everything from concert tickets to grocery runs.
The scope is staggering. ChatGPT users can soon call an Uber, book flights through Expedia, hire contractors via Thumbtack, order food from DoorDash, or grab household essentials from Target - all without leaving the chat window. "Without too much more work, ChatGPT could become a portal for most of its users' discretionary spending," notes TechCrunch's Russell Brandom.
The revenue implications are massive. OpenAI's $20 monthly subscription suddenly looks quaint compared to taking a cut of every transaction flowing through the platform. Like any app store operator, OpenAI sits perfectly positioned to capture a percentage of commerce - but with an AI twist that gives it unprecedented power over purchase recommendations.
"ChatGPT becomes a super-aggregator, funneling customers to retailers and providing an entry point for ever-larger amounts of commerce," explains the analysis. The company isn't just matching users with products; it's leveraging its vast user data to influence buying decisions at scale.
This transformation puts OpenAI in direct competition with retail giants. We're no longer talking about OpenAI versus Google and Anthropic in the AI space. Now they're going head-to-head with Amazon and Walmart for consumer spending.
