OpenAI Adds Sidebar Spaces, Interactive Panels and Automations to ChatGPT Plug-ins

OpenAI is turning ChatGPT into something closer to a full-fledged platform with its latest expansion of plug-in capabilities, announced at Dev Day 2026. The update gives developers the ability to build dedicated sidebar apps, interactive panels, and file viewers directly inside ChatGPT, while also laying the groundwork for event-driven automations .

A Dedicated Home in the Sidebar

Previously, plug-ins connected ChatGPT to tools like Slack, SharePoint, Airtable, and Google Drive, but they only functioned through conversational tool calls. With the new plugin extensions, apps can now have a permanent presence in the ChatGPT sidebar, essentially giving them their own space alongside the chat interface . Developers can also build interactive panels that allow users to work with their tools while chatting with ChatGPT. This includes file viewers that support whatever formats the developer’s product uses, so users do not have to constantly jump between the AI and another website .

Better Discovery and Easier Development

OpenAI is also addressing one of the longstanding problems with plug-ins: discovery. The company is rolling out a new Plugin Creator tool to simplify building, along with a redesigned submission flow that offers clearer feedback. The ranking and recommendation systems for plug-ins in the directory and during conversations have also been improved, making it easier for users to find relevant tools . Users will also be able to approve access requirements individually when connecting a plug-in, giving them more control over what each tool can do .

Automations That Keep Working

Perhaps the most significant addition is support for the proposed MCP Events specification. This allows plug-ins to react to events in connected applications and trigger automations without the user being present. For example, someone could ask ChatGPT to monitor a project board for new tasks and draft a plan when one appears, even if they are away from the conversation . OpenAI said automations are also becoming easier to add and manage, turning plug-ins from simple conversational aids into tools that can continue working in the background .

Sharing Through ChatGPT Sites

ChatGPT Sites, the lightweight websites users can build with ChatGPT, can now host these plug-ins. This means someone can share an app with colleagues, and each person can use it with their own connected data and permissions . The feature is available on Business, Enterprise, Healthcare, and Education plans . The broader context of these announcements is OpenAI’s push to make ChatGPT a platform rather than just a chat interface. With more than 1.2 billion weekly users, the company is positioning ChatGPT as a destination where third-party software can live and operate directly .