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OpenAI aims to develop ChatGPT into an operating system and has brought on a new executive to help with this goal. On Monday, Glen Coates, who is now in charge of App Platform, confirmed that the San Francisco-based artificial intelligence company is aiming to transform ChatGPT from just an interface and app into a complete operating system. The timing of this news is notable, especially since the company is already collaborating with Jony Ive to create an AI-driven device that is expected to launch around 2027. Currently, ChatGPT mainly functions as an app or platform. However, because it incorporates a conversational AI layer and backend agents that connect with various apps and platforms, it also serves as an interface. This move was further emphasized when OpenAI launched the ChatGPT Apps feature, which allows outside apps to work with the AI chatbot, enabling users to complete tasks without leaving the chatbot interface.
Now, this is where it gets intriguing. The combination of the interface, AI agents, built-in search, essential data, and context-awareness creates a unique user experience that is very close to being an operating system. An operating system can be described as the key software that facilitates interaction between a device's hardware, users, and applications. Since ChatGPT already provides user interface and application support, the main challenge for OpenAI is integrating with hardware. Glen Coates joins the team to tackle this challenge, having recently come from Shopify, where he was the Vice President and Head of Product. In a post on X, Coates mentioned he has joined OpenAI to lead the App Platform and to help evolve ChatGPT into an operating system. It seems he will report to Nick Turley, who leads ChatGPT at OpenAI. In a conversation with TechCrunch, Coates stated that his focus includes turning the chatbot into an operating system.
He explained, "Our goal over the next few years is to transform ChatGPT into something more like an operating system where users can access various applications. There will be apps for writing, coding, and interacting with goods and services." OpenAI's effort to convert ChatGPT into an operating system is happening at a suitable time. The company has already built a solid data center network, is working on creating devices, and has ongoing partnerships with apps such as Adobe, Canva, and Zillow, among others. If they successfully integrate these elements with their conversational interface, they could be the first to launch an AI operating system. However, neither Coates nor Turley has provided any specific timelines, so it is unclear when the next stage of the platform will be revealed.
