OpenAI is quietly laying the groundwork for a new feature that could shake up how users access third-party apps by signing in using their ChatGPT credentials. A new webpage published Tuesday shows that the AI giant is actively gauging developer interest in the concept.
This move signals OpenAI’s ambition to expand beyond conversational AI and embed itself deeper into the daily digital habits of users. With ChatGPT’s user base now approaching a staggering 600 million monthly active users, the company is well-positioned to challenge the dominance of tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft in identity management.
Developers Get First Glimpse
Earlier this month, developers got a sneak peek at what “Sign in with ChatGPT” might look like. OpenAI rolled out an experimental version in its Codex CLI, an open-source AI coding assistant for terminal users. The integration allowed developers to log in with their ChatGPT Free, Plus, or Pro accounts and connect them to their API accounts.
To encourage early adoption, OpenAI offered a sweetener: Plus users received $5 in API credits, while Pro users got a generous $50 bonus. This incentive suggests the company is serious about scaling the sign-in service quickly.
Developers are now being invited to fill out an interest form. OpenAI wants to know the size of their user base, how they currently monetize AI features, and whether they’re existing API customers. This data could shape how the sign-in feature is rolled out across industries and platforms.
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A Bold Step into the Future
Back in 2023, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hinted at a “sign in with OpenAI” system. While the idea seemed speculative at the time, it’s becoming more of a reality in 2025. This step could put OpenAI on a path to becoming a digital identity provider, similar to how Apple ID or Google Sign-In work across countless apps.
Such a feature could pave the way for tighter integration with services like online shopping, personal gadgets, productivity tools, and social platforms, making ChatGPT a more central player in users’ digital ecosystems.
However, OpenAI hasn’t confirmed when the feature will launch publicly. It’s also unclear how many companies have signed up to pilot the feature, or how widespread its use might be when it becomes available.
When reached for comment, OpenAI did not respond to TechCrunch’s inquiry, suggesting that, for now, the company is focused on building quietly behind the scenes.
One thing is clear: if “Sign in with ChatGPT” takes off, it could fundamentally change how we interact with apps, making ChatGPT not just a tool for conversation but a passport to the internet.
