OpenAI has introduced a major update to ChatGPT, allowing users to shop directly within conversations. The new feature, called Instant Checkout, brings the experience of a new online store into the AI assistant, making digital shopping faster and simpler.
More than 700 million people use ChatGPT daily, generating over 2.5 billion prompts. Many of these involve product recommendations. With Instant Checkout, users can now complete purchases in the same chat, turning ChatGPT into a practical new online store for everyday shopping needs.
The system has been developed in partnership with Stripe, Shopify, and Etsy. It uses the Agentic Commerce Protocol to streamline buying in a few easy steps. Users search for products, select items, confirm payment and shipping details, and complete their purchase securely through Stripe.
Security remains a key focus. OpenAI assures that only minimal data is shared with merchants, with payment tokens securely generated and transactions fully encrypted. This setup ensures customers can enjoy the benefits of a new online store without compromising their privacy or control.
Merchants, too, retain flexibility as they can accept or decline orders, while buyers remain free to cancel transactions at any stage.
Currently, Instant Checkout is limited to select merchants, but wider availability is expected soon. Industry experts suggest this innovation could change e-commerce by merging AI and shopping into a single platform.
There is also speculation that OpenAI might expand the feature into ChatGPT Pulse, where the AI could recommend products based on user chat history. Competitors like Google Gemini may soon introduce similar shopping integrations.
With this launch, ChatGPT is no longer just an AI assistant. It has positioned itself as a revolutionary new online store, reshaping the future of digital commerce.
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