OpenAI is allowing ChatGPT subscribers to use their existing subscription allowances in third-party applications, eliminating the need for separate API keys or billing arrangements for supported AI features.
The company discussed the expansion on Thursday, October 22, at its DevDay Exchange event in Seoul, South Korea.
The feature, called “Sign in with ChatGPT,” allows eligible users to connect their ChatGPT accounts to external applications and use the AI capabilities included in their subscriptions.
The initial rollout includes 16 partners, including AI coding assistant Devin, productivity platform Notion, and web development platform Vercel.
How It Works
ChatGPT subscribers can sign in to supported third-party applications using their existing OpenAI accounts. After logging in, users can separately authorize the application to access the AI usage included in their ChatGPT subscription. This removes the need to create an OpenAI API key or establish separate AI billing arrangements for supported requests.
However, usage in external applications counts toward the subscriber’s existing ChatGPT limits rather than providing additional allowances. Users can also set limits on how much of their weekly ChatGPT usage each connected application can consume.
Availability and Restrictions
OpenAI initially introduced the feature for ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers, with support for eligible open-source tools and selected commercial partners. Current OpenAI documentation also lists ChatGPT Go subscribers as eligible for usage sharing in participating commercial applications.
Developers working on commercial applications or services running on remote servers must meet additional requirements, while broader access remains limited. External applications may also charge separately for their own services, subscriptions, or infrastructure.
New ChatGPT Plugin Features
OpenAI has also introduced new ways for developers to integrate their services directly into the ChatGPT interface. The expanded plugin system allows applications to operate through ChatGPT’s side menu, dedicated workspaces, and file-editing interfaces. This means users can interact with external services while continuing to use ChatGPT for assistance within the same environment.
For example, users could review calendar meetings, take notes, and save documents to a shared ChatGPT Space, where colleagues and AI agents can help review information and complete follow-up tasks.
Developers can submit their plugins for review and choose when to launch them after approval. OpenAI requires testing materials and demonstration videos to verify their functionality.
Privacy and Security
OpenAI says signing in to an external application does not automatically provide access to a user’s ChatGPT conversations or memories. Applications receive basic account information, while additional permissions require separate authorization.
The company also introduced Locked Chats, a feature that hides selected conversations from the normal chat list. However, Locked Chats does not provide end-to-end encryption or change OpenAI’s existing data retention policies.
Lower Costs for Developers
The subscription-sharing system could reduce the cost of offering AI-powered features, particularly during product testing and early user trials. Previously, developers generally had to cover API charges themselves or require users to provide separate billing information.
By allowing eligible applications to use customers’ existing ChatGPT allowances, OpenAI aims to make AI services easier to access while helping developers attract users.
Albert Yip, OpenAI’s Head of Technical Success for Asia-Pacific, said the company wants to help users discover developer-built products and make it easier for developers to reach new customers.
However, the shared usage limits mean subscribers will need to manage how much AI capacity they consume across ChatGPT and connected applications.
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