OpenAI’s GPT Store not happening this year, pushed to early 2024 due to boardroom chaos

GPT Store was the highlight of OpenAI’s DevDay, now it seems the service will be delayed.

In a memo to the staff, OpenAI has said that it is planning to launch the GPT Store early next year. (Express Image: Agencies)

One of the biggest announcements made at the first-ever developer conference of OpenAI was the launch of the GPT Store, an App Store-like platform but for AI applications. During the OpenAI DevDay 2023, it was announced that the GPT Store will be launched in 2023. However, a lot has happened since DevDay on November 6, especially the boardroom coup that saw the sacking of CEO Sam Altman, his 5-day exile, and eventual return as the CEO.

The GPT Store where users can share their custom versions of ChatGPT with a wider user base and even monetise the same was to be launched in November. It is to be noted that this was the highlight of DevDay. Now in a memo to the staff, OpenAI has said that it is planning to launch the GPT Store early next year. The memo reported by Axios.com also acknowledged the unexpected events that took place in the second half of November.

“We are now planning to launch the GPT Store early next year. While we had expected to release it this month, a few unexpected things have been keeping us busy!” read the memo. The company reportedly told its developers that in the meantime it will be bringing some great updates to ChatGPT soon.

Also Read | ‘Felt hurt and angry’, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman opens up about the 5-day boardroom drama

During DevDay, OpenAI introduced its Custom GPT application for Plus and Enterprise users. This allowed users to make customized versions of ChatGPT through custom instructions. OpenAI also envisions an app store where users can sell their custom GPTs. Even though OpenAI is endowing greater freedom to its users, it is still not clear how it will operate the store.

Based on the latest report, Sam Altman was sacked as the CEO of OpenAI on November 17. The board consisting of Adam D’Angelo, Tosha McCauley, Ilya Sutskever, and Helen Toner had fired Altman alleging a lack of ‘consistently candid’ communication. Following a five-day exile amid considerable uncertainty, Altman was reinstated. The whole drama seems to have impacted their launch plans momentarily.