OpenAI has taken a major step toward transforming ChatGPT into an operating system (OS) by recruiting a new executive leader for its app platform — a move that marks a potential shift from chatbot service to a full-fledged AI-driven computing environment. This strategic hire signals a bet on redefining how people interact with software and digital services in the years ahead.
OpenAI Hires New Head of App Platform to Turn ChatGPT into an Operating System
In December 2025, OpenAI announced that Glen Coates has joined the company as the Head of App Platform, reporting to Nick Turley, OpenAI’s head of ChatGPT. This newly created leadership role positions Coates to expand ChatGPT beyond its current role as a conversational AI and toward becoming an AI-first operating system capable of managing apps, services, and user workflows
According to reports, OpenAI’s vision involves building an ecosystem where the AI itself acts as a platform layer — integrating apps, services, and agents that users can access and interact with directly within ChatGPT. This could involve native app support, deeper third-party integrations, and a unified interface that resembles the foundational role of an operating system.
Why the New Appointment Matters
The appointment of Glen Coates is more than a standard executive hire — it highlights OpenAI’s ambition to make ChatGPT not just a tool, but a central hub for digital experiences. Coates brings experience leading product and platform efforts, particularly in environments requiring robust third-party integrations, which will be critical as ChatGPT expands its ecosystem.
Industry observers see this move as part of a broader shift: OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT to rival traditional platforms and operating environments dominated by companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Google. Instead of merely interacting with separate apps, users could potentially launch and use applications natively inside ChatGPT’s intelligent interface.
What “Operating System” Might Look Like for ChatGPT
An operating system typically manages hardware resources, runs applications, and provides a user interface. While ChatGPT today does not control hardware, some of its ongoing developments point toward a software-centric interpretation of an OS:
- App Integrations & Native Experiences: OpenAI has already introduced app ecosystems that allow third-party tools like shopping, productivity, and utilities to be accessed within the ChatGPT interface.
- Agent Capabilities: The platform increasingly acts as an intermediary, connecting AI agents with services such as scheduling, ecommerce, or search
- Unified Interface: Instead of switching between multiple apps, users may stay inside ChatGPT for tasks ranging from document editing to online shopping.
This shift could redefine software discovery, since applications optimized for ChatGPT’s platform might gain prominence over traditional standalone apps or web services.
OpenAI’s Broader Strategic Moves
This leadership hire comes amid other significant shifts at OpenAI, including expanding executive leadership and exploring new partnerships. OpenAI has made several key hires across development and business roles, as the company pushes to grow both the reach and capability of ChatGPT globally.
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has repeatedly emphasized innovation in how AI systems integrate into everyday technology, positioning tools like ChatGPT as core pieces of future computing infrastructure.
Market and Developer Implications
Developers may soon benefit from new tools, SDKs, and frameworks designed for building apps that run within ChatGPT’s ecosystem. This could spark new growth in AI-centric applications, enabling seamless access to services such as finance, productivity, and entertainment — all powered by OpenAI’s models.
For consumers and businesses alike, the evolution toward an AI operating system could lower barriers to entry across digital services, unlocking more intuitive user experiences and reducing dependency on traditional software interfaces.
Conclusion
The announcement that OpenAI hires new Head of App Platform to turn ChatGPT into an operating system is a defining moment in the company’s trajectory. It reflects an ambitious vision where AI evolves from a conversational partner into the central platform for managing digital life — transforming apps, services, and interactions in a unified, intelligent environment. Gadgets 360
As this initiative unfolds over the coming years, developers, businesses, and users will closely watch how OpenAI’s strategy shapes the future of computing and software experiences.
