OpenAI is paving the way for a transformative shift in AI development by inviting developers to publish their custom-built applications and agent workflows directly within the ChatGPT platform, first reported by TestingCatalog. This strategic move aims to simplify the integration process, making it easier for developers to access ChatGPT’s expansive user base while simultaneously expanding the platform’s features and versatility.
Noteworthy Features on the Horizon
- Agent Workflow Publishing (Hermes): OpenAI is piloting a feature, internally referred to as Hermes, that will allow developers to deploy agent workflows created with the Agent Builder directly into ChatGPT. Through a new interface button, developers will be able to seamlessly integrate and interact with these workflows within the platform. While collaborative sharing isn’t confirmed yet, the foundation for shared workflow experiences is in development.
- Advanced Image Generation: Soon, developers will have the capability to embed image generation tools into their workflows. Initially available in the playground, this feature is being refined for broader release within the workflow builder. An upgraded image generation model is anticipated, potentially coinciding with OpenAI’s next significant product launch.
- Apps Dashboard and Directory: OpenAI is crafting an advanced apps dashboard that lets developers build, manage, and integrate their applications with ChatGPT. Currently limited to select partners, this dashboard is expected to become widely available, featuring a dedicated apps section and an updated directory—possibly named “GPT Store v2.” Users will be able to browse, preview, and engage with published apps directly inside ChatGPT.
Implications for the Developer Community
These upcoming enhancements underscore OpenAI’s commitment to reducing barriers for developers eager to introduce cutting-edge AI solutions to ChatGPT users. By streamlining workflow publishing and app management, OpenAI is laying the groundwork for a thriving ecosystem of third-party tools and AI agents. The addition of advanced image generation and a comprehensive app directory further elevates both developer and end-user experiences.
Anticipating the Next Phase
These developments are part of a larger strategy to broaden ChatGPT’s functionality and nurture a vibrant, open environment for developers. With workflow publishing, enhanced image capabilities, and a user-friendly app directory on the horizon, developers can look forward to new opportunities for innovation and user engagement. If OpenAI follows its previous release patterns, these features may be announced or previewed in the December update cycle.
The Competitive Landscape: Claude, Gemini, and the Battle for Agents
As OpenAI moves to turn ChatGPT into a comprehensive developer platform, its biggest rivals are taking distinctly different paths to capture the AI agent market. This update positions OpenAI’s "Hermes" and workflow tools directly against Anthropic’s open standards and Google’s ecosystem integration.
- Anthropic’s "Protocol" vs. OpenAI’s "Platform": While OpenAI is building a centralized destination (a "GPT Store v2" for workflows), Anthropic is betting on the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Instead of asking developers to publish inside a specific chatbot, MCP is an open standard that acts like a "USB-C for AI," allowing developers to build connectors once that work across multiple AI systems. OpenAI is trying to own the marketplace; Anthropic is trying to own the infrastructure that powers it.
- Google’s "Ecosystem" Advantage: Google’s Gemini Gems compete by leveraging deep integration rather than broad publishing. Unlike OpenAI’s standalone apps, Gemini’s agents are designed to live natively inside the tools users already have open - Google Docs, Drive, and Gmail. For developers, OpenAI offers a broader consumer marketplace, while Google offers a stickier, productivity-focused environment for enterprise workflows.
- The "Agentic" Shift: This update signals OpenAI’s response to the growing demand for "agentic" capabilities, that is to say agents that do work, not just talk. By enabling Agent Workflow Publishing, OpenAI is attempting to close the gap with tools like Claude Code (formerly an experimental agentic tool), which has gained traction among developers for its ability to autonomously handle complex coding tasks and terminal commands.
Why This Matters
OpenAI's strategy is clear: they want ChatGPT to be the operating system for AI apps, not just a chatbot. If they can successfully convince developers to publish workflows directly to their dashboard, they create a defensive moat that open protocols (like MCP) and vertical integrations (like Gemini) will find difficult to breach.
Conclusion
OpenAI’s forthcoming tools and features are set to revolutionize how developers create, distribute, and potentially monetize AI solutions within ChatGPT. By lowering friction and expanding capabilities, OpenAI is establishing a more dynamic, interactive, and customizable ecosystem for both developers and users.
Source: TestingCatalog
OpenAI Opens ChatGPT Platform for Developer-Published Apps and Workflows