Early look at upcoming App submission flow for ChatGPT

OpenAI continues to push forward with the release of its Apps directory for ChatGPT, progressing toward a broader launch as highlighted during Dev Day. The latest builds of the OpenAI platform indicate that the app submission process will become more structured and rigorous.

Developers will now be guided through a five-step workflow when submitting an app:

1. First, providing detailed information including branding assets, developer contacts, and compliance documentation.
2. The second step focuses on configuring MCP, server, and settings.
3. This is followed by a third step requiring both positive and negative test cases to be submitted, likely to be used in ongoing automated app validation.
4. The fourth step allows developers to upload screenshots and curated example prompts, offering a preview of how their app will appear in the upcoming directory.
5. The final step involves release notes, a series of policy compliance checks, and explicit confirmations regarding the app’s commercial intent and data handling.

A manual review process appears to be planned, as signaled by the “submit for review” step. Developers will have the flexibility to manage and submit multiple apps within the same interface, and documentation links are conveniently available on the page. These changes are still in progress but represent a shift toward a more polished and regulated developer ecosystem.

The timing of the release remains uncertain, though the feature set now visible suggests that the public launch is near. This upcoming app directory will expand ChatGPT’s utility for a broad range of developers and businesses, positioning OpenAI’s platform as a more mature and regulated app ecosystem, and closely aligning with industry standards seen in other marketplaces.