OpenAI plans major ChatGPT overhaul to turn it into 'Superapp': Report
New Delhi, June 7
OpenAI is reportedly preparing its biggest overhaul of ChatGPT so far, with plans to transform the platform into a "superapp" by integrating coding tools, AI agents and partner services, as it positions itself for stronger revenue growth ahead of a potential stock market listing.
The changes are part of a broader internal reorganisation at OpenAI, as the company shifts focus toward higher-value enterprise customers while intensifying competition with rival AI firm Anthropic, according to a Financial Times report.
The report, which cited more than a dozen current and former employees, said the overhaul will give increased prominence to OpenAI's coding product Codex and is expected to roll out in the coming weeks.
The updates will initially appear in ChatGPT's website and mobile applications. As part of the redesign, ChatGPT's interface is being reworked to actively steer users toward specific tools such as coding features, image generation and integrated partner services, including platforms like Canva and Booking.com, the report added.
The Financial Times further reported that most Codex users are paid subscribers, and around 2 million business customers currently contribute nearly 40 per cent of OpenAI's revenue.
This share is expected to rise to about 50 per cent by the end of the year, the report said.
ChatGPT currently serves more than 900 million weekly active users, according to figures shared earlier by OpenAI, while its paid consumer subscriber base has crossed 50 million users.
The development comes as OpenAI continues to expand its commercial footprint. Earlier report in May said that the company was preparing a confidential filing for a U.S. initial public offering, although CEO Sam Altman has said the timing of any listing would depend on broader strategic considerations.
The latest reported overhaul underscores OpenAI's push to evolve ChatGPT from a conversational AI tool into a multi-functional platform that combines productivity, coding, and third-party services within a single ecosystem.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a freelance graphic designer, I'm excited about the Canva integration. 🙌 Currently I use ChatGPT for copywriting and Canva separately for design. If they combine these in one platform, it could save me 2-3 hours per project. Just hope they don't make it too complex like some other superapps.
While this sounds promising, I'm concerned about data privacy. We've seen how Indian users' data gets mishandled by foreign companies. Will OpenAI follow Indian data protection laws? And what about offline access? In India, internet connectivity is still patchy in many areas. They should consider these realities.
The coding tool integration is a game changer for Indian developers! 🇮🇳 Many of us rely on ChatGPT for debugging and code generation. But why are they asking 2 million business customers to contribute 40% revenue? Shouldn't individual users also get access to Codex features? The digital divide will widen further.
I'm a small business owner from Pune. We use ChatGPT for customer support emails and content. If they add Booking.com integration, I wonder if they'll partner with Indian travel sites like MakeMyTrip or Goibibo. Global partnerships are good but localisation matters for us. Also, they should launch a "ChatGPT Lite" version for lower-end smartphones which are common here.
From a tech perspective, this is a logical evolution. Superapps like WeChat have proven successful in Asia. But for markets like India and the US, where people value specialised apps, this might face resistance. The 900 million weekly active users figure is impressive, but how many are engaging meaningfully versus just testing
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.