OpenAI has unveiled new shopping capabilities in its ChatGPT chatbot, aimed at simplifying the way users discover, compare, and purchase products directly through the platform.
Announced via posts on X (formerly Twitter), the new features include enriched product listings with visuals, real-time pricing, customer reviews, and direct purchase links. OpenAI emphasized that these listings are curated independently and are not paid advertisements.
The rollout began Monday and will be completed over the next few days. The features are accessible to all users — including Plus, Pro, Free, and even those not logged in.
The company also revealed enhancements to ChatGPT’s search capabilities, following more than one billion web searches conducted through the platform in the past week. Key updates include:
- The ability to receive real-time responses and sports scores via WhatsApp
- Trending search suggestions and autocomplete functionality
- Multiple citations in responses to improve transparency
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are playing an increasingly influential role in consumer behavior. During recent holiday seasons, AI-assisted product searches significantly boosted online retail engagement.
OpenAI’s shopping update aligns with broader industry trends. Google, for instance, launched AI-powered immersive shopping tools for fashion and beauty in March, while Perplexity introduced its AI shopping assistant in late 2024.
These advancements reflect the growing competition among tech firms to integrate AI into eCommerce, signaling a transformation in how consumers interact with digital marketplaces.
