OpenAI Enhances ChatGPT with Integrated Shopping Feature

In a major update announced on Monday, OpenAI revealed that users can now shop directly through the ChatGPT app. This marks a significant leap for the AI assistant, as it aims to provide an experience similar to searching and shopping on platforms like Google.

The new feature is embedded within the ChatGPT Search mode and offers product comparisons, pricing, and purchase links.

"We're excited to announce we’ve launched several improvements to ChatGPT search, and today we’re starting to roll out a better shopping experience," OpenAI shared in a post on X.

ChatGPT Search: Fastest Growing Feature with Over 1 Billion Weekly Searches

OpenAI noted that the ChatGPT Search function has rapidly become its most popular feature.

"Search has become one of our most popular & fastest growing features, with over 1 billion web searches just in the past week," the company stated.

This enormous search volume reflects growing user preference for AI-based assistance in finding information and making purchasing decisions.

New Shopping Experience Aims to Simplify Product Discovery

According to OpenAI, the goal is to make "shopping simpler and faster to find, compare, and buy products in ChatGPT." Users can now view:

• Improved product results

• Visual product details

• Pricing information

• Customer reviews

• Direct links to purchase

"Product results are chosen independently and are not ads," the company clarified, distinguishing itself from ad-based search models like Google.

Rollout Timeline and Availability

The upgraded shopping capability is being gradually rolled out to all users, including Free, Plus, Pro, and even logged-out users, across regions where ChatGPT is available. OpenAI stated the global rollout should be completed in the coming days.

However, initial testing showed mixed results. While some product recommendations, such as those from Amazon India and pet brands like Poochmate and Heads Up For Tails, worked well, others had inaccurate or broken links. This suggests that the feature is still undergoing fine-tuning.

Enhanced ChatGPT Search Capabilities

Trending Searches and Autocomplete

To further enhance usability, OpenAI has introduced trending searches and autocomplete suggestions.

"You can search faster with trending searches and autocomplete suggestions," the company stated.

Improved Citations and Highlight Interface

Another key improvement includes the ability for ChatGPT to provide multiple citations within a single response, offering users the ability to verify information from a broader range of sources. A new "highlight" feature also makes it easier to identify which part of the response corresponds to each citation.

Integration with WhatsApp for Real-Time Info

In addition to in-app updates, OpenAI has extended ChatGPT's utility to WhatsApp. Users can now message 1-800-ChatGPT (+1-800-242-8478) to receive up-to-date answers and live sports scores directly.

OpenAI Steps Up Its Challenge to Google

This expansion comes just days after reports surfaced that OpenAI was interested in purchasing Google Chrome if the U.S. Department of Justice mandates its sale. The integration of shopping and improved search features signals OpenAI's growing ambitions to become a formidable alternative to traditional search engines.

With ChatGPT Search now powering over a billion weekly queries and offering real-time shopping and information services, OpenAI is steadily carving out its space in the evolving digital search and e-commerce ecosystem.

Conclusion

OpenAI’s latest update to ChatGPT signals a major shift in how users interact with AI for everyday tasks, especially shopping. By integrating a seamless shopping experience directly into ChatGPT’s Search mode, OpenAI is positioning itself as a serious contender to Google Search.

The ability to search, compare, and buy products with visual details, pricing, and reviews — all without advertisements — offers users a clean and unbiased experience. This development not only enhances user convenience but also strengthens ChatGPT’s role as a multipurpose digital assistant.

As the feature rolls out to Free, Plus, Pro, and even logged-out users globally, it is expected to change the way consumers browse and purchase online.

Coupled with new updates like trending searches, improved citations, and WhatsApp integration for real-time queries, OpenAI is taking decisive steps toward redefining web interaction. If these features stabilize and expand, ChatGPT could soon rival traditional search engines in both function and popularity.