OpenAI launches app submissions and rolls out store in the new year

OpenAI has launched an app store for its ChatGPT chatbot, enabling developers to create and distribute custom applications within the platform. This initiative aims to enhance user experience by providing access to a variety of new features, games, and tools directly through ChatGPT's interface.

OpenAI is reportedly seeking to raise up to $100 billion in a new fundraising round, which could value the company at approximately $830 billion. The completion of this funding round is anticipated by the end of the first quarter of 2026 at the earliest. Concerns about a potential AI bubble have been raised, affecting the valuations of tech companies, including OpenAI.

A leading economist has stated that OpenAI is 'definitely not' too big to fail, suggesting that the potential collapse of the AI bubble would not have catastrophic consequences. This perspective comes amid growing concerns about the sustainability of investments in artificial intelligence, particularly following OpenAI's significant market fluctuations.

OpenAI has launched an app store for its ChatGPT chatbot, allowing developers to create and distribute custom applications within the platform. This initiative aims to enhance user experience by providing access to a variety of new features, tools, and games, marking a significant expansion of ChatGPT's functionality.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman declared a 'code red' for the company's ChatGPT platform, emphasizing the urgent need for improvements amid rising competition from Google's Gemini 3. This declaration marks a significant moment for OpenAI, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining its leadership in the AI sector.

Former British Chancellor George Osborne has joined OpenAI as managing director and head of OpenAI for Countries, a role focused on building partnerships with governments globally for AI initiatives. He will also lead Coinbase's internal advisory council. This move underscores a trend of political figures transitioning into significant roles within major tech companies.

ChatGPT has achieved a significant milestone, reaching $3 billion in lifetime mobile consumer spending within just 31 months, outpacing other popular apps like TikTok and major streaming services. This rapid financial growth highlights the app's increasing adoption and user engagement in the mobile market.

OpenAI has introduced GPT-5.2, which has excelled in its new FrontierScience benchmark, outperforming previous models but revealing limitations in tackling real-world research challenges. This benchmark aims to assess AI capabilities at both Olympic and research levels.