OpenAI Plans Sign In With ChatGPT for Third-Party Apps

OpenAI is advancing its ecosystem by exploring a "Sign in with ChatGPT" feature that would allow users to authenticate with third-party apps using their ChatGPT accounts. This initiative reflects OpenAI’s ambition to expand beyond its core AI chat application and compete with major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, which already offer streamlined sign-in services.

ChatGPT’s rapid growth to approximately 600 million monthly active users positions it as one of the world’s largest consumer applications. Leveraging this massive user base, OpenAI aims to integrate its sign-in service across diverse sectors such as online shopping, social media, and personal devices, thereby broadening its consumer footprint.

The company has already launched a developer preview of this feature within Codex CLI, an open-source AI coding tool. This preview allows developers to link their ChatGPT Free, Plus, or Pro accounts to their OpenAI API accounts. To incentivize adoption, OpenAI offered API credits to Plus and Pro users who signed in with ChatGPT.

OpenAI is actively gauging developer interest through a form that asks companies about their user base size and current AI feature monetization. This suggests a broad target audience ranging from startups to apps with over 100 million weekly users, indicating OpenAI’s intent to scale the sign-in service widely.

CEO Sam Altman hinted at this capability in 2023, and by 2025 OpenAI appears to be seriously developing the feature. However, the timeline for a public launch and the number of participating companies remain undisclosed.

Why Sign In With ChatGPT Matters

The "Sign in with ChatGPT" feature could revolutionize how users access apps by simplifying authentication and enhancing security through AI-powered identity verification. For developers, it offers a seamless way to connect users’ AI experiences with their applications, potentially increasing engagement and retention.

Moreover, this move positions OpenAI as a more integrated player in the consumer tech landscape, challenging established giants by leveraging its AI dominance and vast user base. It’s a strategic step toward embedding AI deeper into everyday digital interactions.

What This Means for Developers and Businesses

Developers can anticipate a new avenue to integrate AI-driven authentication that aligns with user preferences for convenience and security. Businesses stand to benefit from reduced friction in user onboarding and the potential to tap into ChatGPT’s extensive user network.

As OpenAI continues to refine this feature, staying informed and prepared to adopt such innovations could provide competitive advantages in user experience and engagement.