OpenAI’s Nick Turley Aims to Turn ChatGPT into an AI-Powered Operating System with Third-Party Apps

Nick Turley, head of ChatGPT at OpenAI, envisions transforming the chatbot into a new kind of operating system—one that goes beyond simple conversation and becomes a central platform for third-party applications. With 800 million weekly active users, Turley sees ChatGPT as a powerful delivery vehicle for OpenAI’s mission to develop and distribute artificial general intelligence (AGI) in a way that benefits humanity. Turley draws inspiration from the evolution of web browsers, which have become the de facto operating systems for modern digital life. Just as browsers host a wide range of web applications, Turley wants ChatGPT to evolve into a space where users can access tools for writing, coding, shopping, and more—without leaving the interface. This shift marks a move from a command-line-style experience to one with intuitive, app-driven affordances. OpenAI has already laid the groundwork with initiatives like the GPT Store and plugins, though those early efforts didn’t gain widespread traction. Now, the company is taking a more integrated approach, embedding apps directly into the core ChatGPT experience. Companies like Expedia, DoorDash, and Uber are expected to launch apps that allow users to book trips, order food, and make purchases seamlessly within ChatGPT—turning the platform into an e-commerce destination. This strategy offers a compelling value proposition for developers: access to 800 million users during their everyday interactions. Unlike standalone apps or widgets, these tools are part of the conversation itself, enabling richer, more contextual experiences. However, building an app ecosystem brings challenges—particularly around app discovery and user privacy. Turley acknowledges that OpenAI may explore paid prioritization for apps, but stresses that user experience must remain paramount. The company is also working on ways to give users fine-grained control over data sharing, possibly through a partitioned memory system that allows users to selectively share information—such as health-related conversations—while keeping others private. Transparency is a top priority. Developers must clearly disclose what data they request, and OpenAI will enforce strict limits on data collection. The company is still developing the technical and policy frameworks to make this work effectively. Turley also addresses concerns that OpenAI’s consumer business could overshadow its nonprofit mission. He argues that the product isn’t just a funding mechanism—it’s the mission in action. Real-world impact, like helping a 89-year-old learn to code or supporting autistic children through social modeling, demonstrates how ChatGPT delivers on OpenAI’s vision of making AGI beneficial for all. As OpenAI expands into new areas—such as hardware with Jony Ive’s team and a rumored browser—Turley sees ChatGPT as the unifying layer across a growing family of AI-powered products. The future, he believes, is not about one product, but a connected ecosystem where AI is deeply embedded in daily life.