OpenAI Transforms ChatGPT Into a Superapp Named Aria

OpenAI plans to redesign ChatGPT into a superapp, internally codenamed "Aria." This overhaul aims to combine various features, including coding support through Codex, automation tasks, and third-party app integrations, into a single platform. This comes as OpenAI prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO) by the fourth quarter of 2026.

Since launching a desktop app in February, Codex has experienced significant growth, expanding to over 5 million weekly active users, the majority of whom are paying customers. In contrast, OpenAI has approximately 1 billion ChatGPT users, many of whom utilize the service for free, prompting the company to seek ways to monetize its user base more effectively.

Thibault Sottiaux, OpenAI's head of core product and platform, emphasizes that the goal is to create an assistant that supports users across various aspects of their lives, both personally and professionally. This represents a notable shift in strategy, as a senior employee mentioned, "Chat is dead," indicating a move away from traditional chatbot functionalities.

The concept of a superapp finds inspiration from existing models like WeChat, which started as a messaging service in 2011 and has evolved into an essential platform for a range of activities, including payments and various services. Other companies, such as Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter), have attempted to emulate this model but have encountered challenges in achieving similar success.

While OpenAI has not confirmed the launch date for Aria, changes to its platforms are expected to roll out in the coming weeks. The transformation aims to establish ChatGPT not just as a chatbot, but as a comprehensive tool for a wider array of tasks and user needs.