When Nick Turley joined OpenAI in 2022, he was tasked with one monumental goal: to commercialize the company’s groundbreaking research. As the head of ChatGPT, Turley’s leadership has already produced impressive results, with the product growing to 800 million weekly active users. But now, Turley has an even bolder vision—transforming ChatGPT into a new type of operating system. Instead of just being a tool for conversation, he envisions it as a hub filled with third-party apps, a central place where users interact with software in new and innovative ways.
In an interview this week on the outskirts of San Francisco’s Fort Mason, the site of OpenAI’s third annual developer conference, Turley discussed his vision for ChatGPT’s future and what he believes the next evolution of AI can offer. The conversation hinted at an ambitious plan to reshape the relationship between users and software by turning ChatGPT into an indispensable platform for both consumers and developers alike.
The Operating System Concept
Turley’s grand idea for ChatGPT is inspired by web browsers. Over the past decade, browsers such as Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox have evolved beyond just tools for navigating the web. They have become something far more significant—a platform for running web applications, managing tasks, and providing users with a seamless interface to the internet. While browsers like these aren’t operating systems in the traditional sense—such as macOS, Windows, or Linux—they function as environments where people spend much of their digital lives.
Turley sees ChatGPT moving into a similar role. Rather than being merely a conversational AI tool, ChatGPT could become the focal point for a wide range of applications and services, all within a familiar and intuitive interface. The concept of an operating system would expand beyond its traditional definition and incorporate a new generation of software interaction, one rooted in conversational interfaces and integrated services.
ChatGPT as the New Digital Ecosystem
The plan to transform ChatGPT into a new kind of operating system isn’t just about conversation anymore. Turley is focusing on creating an entire ecosystem that includes third-party apps that integrate directly into ChatGPT’s core experience. These apps could span various categories, from e-commerce to entertainment, productivity, travel, and beyond.
Turley’s vision relies heavily on the idea of embedding these apps directly into the ChatGPT environment, rather than treating them as separate features or external services. When users interact with ChatGPT, the platform would not only respond to queries but also facilitate actions through apps integrated directly into the system. This would enable a richer, more immersive experience for users who want to perform tasks, book services, or make transactions without leaving the platform.
In many ways, this represents a dramatic shift in how software could be experienced. Instead of managing multiple apps in isolation, users would access everything they need in one central location—ChatGPT itself. By providing seamless connections to apps like Expedia, DoorDash, or Uber, OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT to become an all-in-one solution for everyday tasks, shopping, communication, and even entertainment.
ChatGPT’s Role in E-Commerce and Revenue Generation
One of the most strategic elements of ChatGPT’s transformation into an operating system lies in the potential for e-commerce integration. With apps from popular services like Uber and DoorDash, ChatGPT can serve as a centralized location where transactions happen naturally within the flow of conversation. Rather than opening an external app or website, users could ask ChatGPT to make a reservation, place an order, or book a ride, with the platform taking care of the rest.
This integration offers OpenAI a compelling revenue model—by facilitating transactions, OpenAI could capture a portion of the revenue generated from these interactions. The idea is simple yet effective: by allowing third-party apps to connect directly to ChatGPT, OpenAI can make money every time a user makes a purchase or completes an action through the platform. This type of integration could be a game-changer for OpenAI and its commercial success.
For companies that have integrated their services into ChatGPT, having their products or services featured on such a high-traffic platform could be an enormous business opportunity. For instance, companies like DoorDash and Uber could benefit from the visibility that ChatGPT offers, leading to a higher volume of orders and rides. In return, OpenAI would take a small fee or share in the revenue generated from these transactions.
Making ChatGPT an Essential Tool for Developers
Turley’s vision isn’t just about changing how users interact with technology; it’s also about transforming how developers engage with the platform. By opening up ChatGPT to third-party apps, OpenAI is creating a rich ecosystem for developers to build on. The core appeal for developers lies in the ability to reach ChatGPT’s 800 million weekly users directly during their everyday conversations.
Instead of relying on traditional app stores or widgets to distribute their products, developers can now build apps that exist within the ChatGPT environment. This creates a completely new way for third-party developers to create interactive experiences that go far beyond basic chatbots or data-driven responses.
For developers, the potential to reach millions of active users through ChatGPT is a massive opportunity. In the traditional app ecosystem, standing out on crowded platforms like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store is difficult. But within the ChatGPT environment, apps are part of the core experience, not a peripheral addition. This makes them more accessible to users and increases their potential for success.
The Future of ChatGPT: Potential for Hardware Integration
OpenAI’s plans to transform ChatGPT into an operating system also extend beyond software. Turley alluded to the possibility of hardware integration, pointing out that the company has been working with Jony Ive, the legendary Apple designer, and other experts on a family of hardware devices. Though he did not confirm specifics, the idea of combining a new ChatGPT-powered operating system with dedicated hardware is an exciting prospect.
Such hardware could range from devices specifically designed for interacting with ChatGPT to smart speakers or even wearable tech. By combining software and hardware, OpenAI could deliver a truly seamless and integrated experience for users. These devices could serve as the perfect interface for a ChatGPT-powered operating system, enabling users to access and control their apps through voice commands, touch, or even gestures.
Conclusion: A New Era for ChatGPT
Nick Turley’s vision for ChatGPT is nothing short of revolutionary. By transforming it into a new type of operating system, OpenAI has the opportunity to redefine how users interact with digital applications and services. With third-party apps seamlessly integrated into ChatGPT’s environment, users will be able to accomplish tasks, make purchases, and engage with services in an entirely new way.
For developers, this opens up exciting possibilities for building apps that reach millions of users directly through ChatGPT’s interface. The platform has the potential to become a central hub for both consumers and developers, offering a unified experience that connects users to the services they need most.
In the coming years, ChatGPT could become more than just a conversation tool—it could evolve into the backbone of a new digital ecosystem. As OpenAI continues to innovate, the future of ChatGPT looks brighter than ever, promising to revolutionize how we interact with technology.
