Key Announcements

  • OpenAI launches ChatGPT Agent for premium ($200/month) users, enabling autonomous web and application interaction, deep research, and integration with services like GitHub.
  • E-commerce integration in development: A new checkout system, developed with Shopify, will allow users to buy products directly within ChatGPT, placing OpenAI in direct competition with Amazon and Google.
  • Rapid user growth: ChatGPT reached 400 million weekly active users by February 2025 and an annualized revenue run rate of $10 billion. Losses last year were approximately $5 billion.
  • No announced launch date yet for the checkout feature; the Agent is already rolling out for Pro subscribers.

OpenAI Eyes E-Commerce Expansion: ChatGPT Agent and Checkout System to Transform Platform

OpenAI has unveiled major updates to its flagship AI platform, ChatGPT, positioning it as both a productivity engine and a new hub for e-commerce.

ChatGPT Agent: Autonomous Digital Assistant

  • Premium subscribers now gain access to the ChatGPT Agent, a feature that allows the AI to:
    • Automate tasks such as creating presentations and analyzing code with GitHub integration.
    • Book travel and place orders, tested earlier as “Operator.”
    • Perform deep web research in minutes, a task that would typically take humans much longer.

OpenAI Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil commented, “This is the year ChatGPT goes from answering questions for you to doing things for you in the real world.”

Payment and Checkout Integration

To tap into ChatGPT’s vast user base, OpenAI is developing a built-in checkout system. In partnership with Shopify, users will soon be able to:

  • Discover and purchase products directly within ChatGPT chat sessions.
  • Complete transactions without being redirected to external retailer sites.

Merchants fulfilling orders through this system will pay a commission to OpenAI. Negotiations and demos are ongoing, but no official launch date is set.

Market Context

  • OpenAI’s move follows a surge to 400 million weekly active users and a $10 billion annual revenue run rate.
  • Despite revenue growth, losses totaled about $5 billion in the previous year.
  • Consultants say this pivot is a direct challenge to e-commerce leaders: ChatGPT aims to become “a full-funnel shopping tool.”

What’s Next?

  • The Agent feature is already available for premium users.
  • The integrated checkout system is under development.
  • OpenAI’s dual approach—productivity and commerce—could redefine how users interact with AI and shop online.